MySpace Joins with the Illinois Library Association to Promote Online Safety

"MySpace today announced that it has joined with the Illinois Library Association to distribute free bookmarks containing tips on Internet safety. The bookmarks are printed as a series, each aimed at a specific audience including kids, teens, and parents. By distributing these bookmarks for free, MySpace and the Illinois Library Association hope to help educate youth and parents to make safe and informed decisions online. The bookmarks will be given out at Illinois libraries starting today in celebration of Illinois Library Day. The bookmarks will also be distributed during National Library Legislative Day (May 2) in Washington, D.C. ....

'One of the primary concerns of the Illinois library community is the safety of children. These bookmarks are just one example of how the Illinois library community is partnering with MySpace, parents, and police to help children learn how to use the Internet, and to become savvy users of information,' said Robert P. Doyle, Executive Director of the Illinois Library Association. 'We know there are legitimate concerns about the Internet. We know, however, that the best way to protect children is to teach them to guard their privacy and make wise choices. Education will promote safe use of the Internet, not laws blocking access.'

The Internet Safety bookmarks contain information on the safety topics below, as well links to additional online resources.

• Dealing with Cyberbullies: Tips for Kids


• Safe Blogging: Tips for Teens


• Social Networking: Tips for Parents

The Internet Safety Bookmarks are also available to download (PDF) and print locally at the Illinois Library Association Web site (www.ila.org/netsafe)." [ILA: NetSafe]

'MySpace and the Illinois Library Association provided funding for the printing and distribution of 400 each of the three bookmarks to every public library in Illinois.

In addition, they are available for sale in sets of 100 each of the three Internet Safety Bookmarks for $6 plus shipping and handling.

* Order Bookmarks