10.30.14

Hoeven, Google Lead Internet Safety Program at Erik Ramstad Middle School

MINOT, N.D. – At Erik Ramstad Middle School today, Senator John Hoeven, along with Google representatives, worked to educate students and educators on ways to stay safe and secure when using the Internet. The Google-sponsored Online Safety Roadshow is part of the company’s national Good to Know initiative created to better educate middle school aged students about web use.

“Technology is improving our lives and keeping us connected in so many new and beneficial ways, but it also calls for some caution, especially for children,” said Hoeven. “While the Internet provides us with great resources, we need to be smart about how we interact and share online.”

Today’s presentation focused on helping students better understand what actions they can take to stay safe and secure when using the web. The program featured important tips to be safe and smart online. Students learned about setting strong passwords, spotting online scams and being more aware of the information they share online. The presentation featured interactive games and student testimonials.

Google designed the program in conjunction with principals and child safety groups, including the National Association of Secondary School Principals and iKeepSafe, focusing on the prevalent use of the Internet among young students who use the web for both personal and school work. An estimated 93 percent of teenagers between the age of 12 and 17 go online, often without adult supervision.

Earlier this year, Hoeven led the program at Ben Franklin Middle School in Fargo and Wachter Middle School in Bismarck.