Google India has launched the second leg of its nationwide Internet safety campaign, called ‘Be NetSmart,’ in collaboration with the government and local law enforcement authorities.
‘Be NetSmart' is an interactive campaign that is focused on students, parents and teachers. The campaign aims to celebrate the goodness of the Internet, applaud its impact on society, and educate India’s youth on Internet safety.
The sessions in schools cover topics that range from the positive use of the Internet and its increasing role in our lives, to responsible online conduct such as the need to maintain confidentiality, safely download content, carefully post pictures, and cautiously engage in chatting.
This campaign was launched in Chennai on August 25th 2008, then initiated in schools across Kolkata on September 2nd and is now being taken to schools in New Delhi starting September 15th. During the ‘Be NetSmart Week’ campaigns in Chennai and Kolkata, Google employee volunteers and police authorities visited English, Tamil and Bengali medium schools and reached nearly 11,140 students, 90 teachers, and 17 schools with the ‘Be NetSmart’ message.
“The Be NetSmart campaign is a nucleus around which we would like to build a nationwide campaign for making the Internet pleasurable, useful and safe. Towards this end, I appeal to all business leaders who have reposed their faith in the digital medium to join hands and support us in our endeavour," said Dr. Subho Ray, President, Internet and Mobile Association of India.
The Be NetSmart campaign was first launched in Mumbai on February 18th 2008, in collaboration with the Mumbai Police, and focused on school children in sixth standard and above. Since February, the national “Be NetSmart” campaign has reached more than 36,000 students. |
