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Software Teaches Web Safety To Middle Schoolers

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By JESSICA DaSILVA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 25, 2008

TAMPA - A computer program that teaches children Internet safety will be introduced in 75 Florida middle schools this year.

Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp unveiled Web Wise Kids on Thursday morning at the University of South Florida's College of Education.

The program, developed by the Entertainment Software Association, features three video games that teach children about online predators, scams and piracy. It's the first time the program has been used in Florida, and it's here through a partnership with the state government, said Web Wise Kids President Judi Warren.

Warren said a program called Wired With Wisdom is part of what's being made available to parents. It is geared toward informing parents about the issues children face in a technology-driven world.

It teaches youngsters about social networking Web sites, chat rooms, e-mail and more.

She added that all the games are available at www.webwisekids.org.

After the meeting, Kottkamp said he hopes the program spreads to all Florida schools.

He said the program is effective because it reaches children through a medium they know.

However, it's the same medium that presents a danger to children, he said.

"We have to teach children to protect themselves, and we have to teach parents how to teach their children," Kottkamp said.

Reporter Jessica DaSilva can be reached at (813) 259-7851 or jdasilva@tampatrib.com.

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