For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Stop.Think.Connect.™ campaign today announced a new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which serves nearly four million young people from across the country. The campaign will provide Boys & Girls Club with tools and resources to help raise awareness among teens, young adults and parents about the importance of cybersecurity and online safety.
"In today's world, Americans can use technology to engage with communities around the globe," said Secretary Napolitano. "Now, more than ever, it is important that all Americans learn to protect themselves online and do their part to ensure that cyberspace is a safe and secure environment for all Internet users."
"Technology skills and access to the Internet are critical in closing the academic achievement gap and leveling the playing field for all children," said Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO Roxanne Spillett. "Equally as important is ensuring online safety by preventing abuse of technology where bullying and other negative behaviors live on indefinitely."
The partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America builds on the Stop.Think.Connect.™ campaign's ongoing outreach to youth. Last month, DHS announced a partnership with Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) America. In June, the campaign announced winners of the Stop.Think.Connect.™ PSA Challenge, which called on individuals of all ages, non-profit organizations and corporations to create and submit short video PSAs encouraging their fellow citizens to be safe and secure online.
Stop.Think.Connect.™ is a national public awareness effort to guide the nation to a higher level of Internet safety and security by educating and empowering the American public to be more vigilant about practicing safe online habits. The campaign encourages Americans to view Internet safety and security as a shared responsibility at home, in the workplace, and in our communities.
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has changed lives, saved lives, and created great futures. The organization's partnership with Stop.Think.Connect.™ adds a cyber education element to the services it provides through guidance programs emphasizing academic success, character and leadership development, community service, and healthy lifestyles.
For additional information on the Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign please click here (this link is no longer active).
For additional information on Boys & Girls Clubs of America please click here.
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