National Internet Safety Month
NATIONAL INTERNET SAFETY MONTH
Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today I introduced a resolution designating June 2006 as National Internet Safety Month. I am pleased to have Mr. Allen, Mr. Craig, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Vitter, Ms. Landrieu, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Burns, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Warner, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Santorum, and Mr. DeWine join me in introducing this resolution.
The Internet has become one of the most significant advances in the twentieth century and, as a result it affects people's lives in a positive manner each day. However, this technology presents dangers that need to be brought to the attention of all Americans. Never before has the problem of online predatory behavior been more of a concern. Consider the pervasiveness of Internet access by children and the rapid increase in Internet crime and predatory behavior. Never before have powerful educational solution's--such as Internet safety curricula for grades kindergarten through 12--been more critical and readily at hand.
i-SAFE America is one of the nonprofit organizations that has worked tirelessly to educate our youth and our community on these important issues. Formed in 1998, i-SAFE America educates youth in all 50 states Washington, DC, and Department of Defense schools worldwide to ensure that they have a safe experience online.
It is imperative that all Americans learn about the Internet safety strategies which will help keep their children safe from victimization. Consider the facts: In the United States, about 90 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 use computers, and about 59 percent use the Internet. Approximately 26 percent of children in that age group are online more than 5 hours a week, and 12 percent spend more time online than they do with their friends.
An alarming statistic is that 39 percent of youths in grades 5 through 12 in the United States admit giving out their personal information, such as their name, age, and gender over the Internet. Furthermore, 11.5 percent of students in this age group have actually met face to face with a stranger they met on the Internet.
Most disturbing are the patterns of Internet crimes against children. In 1996, the Federal Bureau of Investgation was involved in 113 cases involving Internet crimes against children. In 2001, the FBI opened 1,541 cases against people suspected of using the Internet to commit crimes involving child pornography or abuse.
Now is the time for America to focus its attention on supporting Internet safety, especially bearing in mind that children will soon be on summer vacation and will spend more time online.
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