December 9, 2009

LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox was honored today with the Cable's Leaders in Learning Policymaker Award for protecting Michigan kids from Internet sex predators with a dynamic in-classroom educational program called the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative (Michigan CSI).  Since Cox launched the program in September 2007, Michigan CSI has educated nearly half a million Michigan children in almost 400 school districts about how to stay safe online.

 "We launched this program because the Internet can be a dangerous place for kids," said Cox.  "Everyone involved with the Cyber Safety Initiative is honored by this award, but the real reward comes from helping keep children safe from danger when they surf the web."

Michigan CSI teaches students the 3 KEEPS of Internet Safety: KEEP SAFE by protecting personal information; KEEP AWAY from Internet predators; and KEEP TELLING a trusted adult when anything makes them feel uncomfortable online.  Students also learn steps to avoid cyber bullying, how to behave appropriately online and are taught not to share inappropriate material via cell phones and social networking profiles because predators use that information to begin conversations with children.

The program is offered free of charge to any academic institution offering K-8 education throughout Michigan.  Three age-appropriate student presentations are available (K-3, 4-5, 6-8) in addition to a Community Seminar and a Program Overview.  Registration and materials are available online at www.michigan.gov.

"For 20 years, Cable in the Classroom has advocated for the smart, effective and safe use of media and technology for learning," said Frank Gallagher, Senior Director of Cable in the Classroom.  "As children spend more time online, in more places and doing more things, Attorney General Cox has provided crucial leadership in teaching Michigan's children about Internet safety."

Cable's Leaders in Learning Awards - founded by Cable in the Classroom, the cable industry's national education foundation -  is a national program that honors individuals for their leadership in education.  Awards are open to any individual responsible for educating America's youth, from classroom teachers, to community volunteers and elected officials at all levels of government.  More information is available at www.LeadersinLearningAwards.org.

The Leaders in Learning State Policymaker Excellence Award is a national award given to a federal, state or local elected official whose exceptional vision and or action has dramatically expanded or enhanced learning opportunities for children and youth in their local community, state or region.

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