Google Online Safety Roadshow teaches internet safety to students.
According to Screen&Reveal, there are five million predators on the internet, and 500,000 of them are acting at any given time through online profiles. Some of the predators work their way toward meeting in person. Some blackmail kids. In addition, there are scams to defraud kids—therefore, the parents—and downloaded videos that can trick kids into spending a lot of cash.
To counter this evil, Google brought its Online Safety Roadshow to Plant City on March 23. Nearly 200 Marshall Middle Magnet School students took part in the program to learn how to stay safe and smart when exploring online. The 45-minute program is the first such event held by Google in the area.
During the Roadshow assembly, students learned important skills, including how to create a safe and memorable password, why it’s important to take breaks from screens, and the value of being kind online. “The Hillsborough County School District is deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment, both in the classroom and online,” Marshall Middle Magnet School Principal, Dennis Mayo said. “Thanks to Google’s support and innovative online safety tools, our students are gaining the skills they need to navigate the digital world with confidence and care. We’re grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to help our young learners thrive in a digital world.”
Google’s Online Safety Roadshow is based on the Be Internet Awesome curriculum, which focuses on five tips for staying safe and being smart online. Those tips include:
• Sharing content with care.
• Don’t fall for fake online scams.
• Secure information with strong passwords.
• Be kind to others online.
• When in doubt, talk it out with a trusted adult.
“As technology continues to evolve, Google is committed to staying one step ahead in helping keep young people safe online,” said Taylor Ferguson, Google’s Florida Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager. “We’re proud to bring the Online Safety Roadshow to Florida, empowering students with the knowledge and tools they need to explore, learn, and play online with confidence. Our goal is to create a safer digital experience for young people and give parents and guardians greater peace of mind.”
According to the Plan Hillsborough website, Plant City is projected to lead Hillsborough County in both population and job growth in the coming decades. As the population of children in Plant City skyrockets, more children and families here need to be educated about how to stay safe online.
United States Representative Laurel Lee (FL-15) joined the assembly, and spoke to students about the local impact internet safety has on kids, and participating in interactive education games. “In today’s digital world, online safety isn’t optional—it’s essential,” Congresswoman Lee commented. “Kids in Plant City and throughout the Tampa Bay Area should have access to the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe online. By teaching students how to navigate the internet wisely, safety programs and responsible legislation can help protect them today and give them skills for a safer, smarter future.”
The Roadshow is part of Google’s initiative to help empower young people with tools and training they need to safely explore online. Across its platforms, the company also recently updated their Google Family Link, a service that offers robust parental controls and dedicated features that help young people and their families navigate the digital world with care.
