Blockin’ Betty and the Bad Guy Patrol help kids navigate the web safely
Government of Alberta and Microsoft Canada develop new website for young children.
EDMONTON, AB - November 15 2006 - Children in Alberta have a new group of animal friends to teach them how to be safe online. Blockin' Betty, Chattin' Charlie, Careful Cara, and Thinkin' Theo are the main characters of a new Internet safety website for 5-to-10-year-olds.
"Children are using the Internet at a very young age and we need to make sure they know how to be safe online," said Children's Services Minister Heather Forsyth. "Learning about online safety can be a fun experience, and Blockin' Betty and her pals make it just that. Kids and their parents can learn a lot from this group of friends."
The website, www.badguypatrol.ca, teaches children critical Internet safety skills through a series of games. By playing the games, children will learn the importance of protecting personal information and that people may not always be who they say they are. A section for adults provides additional tips on how to keep kids safe.
The site was developed as part of Alberta Children's Services and Microsoft Canada's shared commitment to preventing child sexual exploitation.
Microsoft is pleased to be a partner in this initiative, says Phil Sorgen, President, Microsoft Canada Co. "We are excited to be partnering with Alberta Children's Services in an effort to educate children and parents on ways to be safe online," said Sorgen. "Microsoft has a responsibility as a company associated with the Internet to do whatever we can to help children and their parents have a safe experience online, and awareness is the first step."
Commercials promoting the Bad Guy Patrol will run in Cineplex Odeon theatres throughout Alberta during December.
In 2006-07, Alberta Children's Services has committed $6.2 million to address child sexual exploitation, with $400,000 being spent on public awareness activities.
