MomsMaterial.com has announced it will promote National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October by educating parents about online safety. Cammie Moise, founder of MomsMaterial.com, realized the importance of raising awareness when she saw the recommended USB drive on her third graders school supply list. This encourages students as young as 8 years old to use their home computer for research. Cammie admitted having mixed emotions when she realized many parents did not have filters on their home computers.
Cammie said, "I am thrilled that our elementary school has the technology to keep our kids up to date. I know my kids will be ahead of the curve when it comes to using technology in the classroom. But I am concerned with the number of parents that do not have a safe technology environment at home. Unfortunately, once they leave the online safety net of the school (blocks and filters) they can be exposed to inappropriate material everywhere else."
Cammie mentioned the school does address some of these dangers. They recommend students use the school district's online resources when researching information at home. She said, "Unfortunately, most of the kids go straight to the search engines on their home computers. If that computer doesn't have blocking or filtering software in place, their kids could accidentally come across inappropriate material."
In addition, Cammie is supporting NCSAM by educating the parents in her community with a presentation about online safety. She said, "Many parents are intimidated with today's technology. I believe parent education is key to protecting our kids. Parents need to know what dangers are out there so they can teach their kids how to use today's technology wisely. Our best defense includes knowledge, open communication and programs that monitor, filter and alert you to any dangers."
MomsMaterial.com, will include articles to educate parents about online safety. These articles will include topics such as email, IM, Chat Rooms, cyberbullying, online predators, social networks and include Wi-Fi gadgets including cell phones.
