Facebook and the National PTA are joining forces in an effort to spread information to kids, parents and teachers about safe and responsible Internet use. The aim of the partnership is to reduce cyberbullying and other risks to children online.

The National PTA is deeply rooted in communities, particularly in the suburbs and rural areas and has access to many parents. Facebook and the National PTA said they would provide information and other resources on their websites and through the PTA’s 24,000 local chapters.

The announcement follows a 148-page report from a U.S. government commissioned online safety committee that found the chief danger facing kids is cyberbullying. Other risks include identity theft, obsessive use of technology and damage to reputation.

According to an April 2010 survey conducted by Yahoo:

• 78% of parents are concerned about their children’s online safety
• 74% of parents connect to their children’s profiles on social networking sites
• 71% take at least one action to manage their children’s use of the Internet or cell phones
• Nearly three-quarters of parents want their child’s school to play a role in teaching kids about online safety.

Source: Facebook and National PTA join forces on online child safety , Los Angeles Times, June 10,2010

Tags: Online child safety, Facebook, PTA, social networking, cyberbullying