14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has entered an interesting partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA, no, not to manage new records in cookie sales, but to educate both girls and parents on the topic of Internet safety. The online safety campaign launched by the Redmond company in collaboration with the all-girls organization is designed to find the most approbative channel for the delivery of information on subjects such as cyberbullying, predators and social networking. The software giant is attempting to offer resources on Internet safety at a teen-to-teen level, in order to increase awareness of the tools, resources and best practices associated with online safety.
In this context, the Redmond company is actively getting involved in the education process necessary to complement tools such as Windows Parental Controls and Windows Live Family Safety Settings, which it is already delivering. “Most teens understand the Internet and technology better than their parents,” explained Erika Takeuchi, product manager for Windows Client Interactive and Digital Creative Development at Microsoft. “These tools will teach parents effective ways to help protect their families from risks such as file-sharing abuse and exposure to potential dangerous content.”
Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft have debuted, under the LMK (let me know) campaign, a couple of websites aimed at their respective audiences: Girl Scouts Let Me Know site for Girls and Girl Scouts Let Me Know site for Parents and Adults. In addition, the software giant has turned to Parry Aftab, Internet security lawyer and founder of the world’s largest cybersafety charity, for the training offered via LMK.
“This collaboration between Girl Scouts and Microsoft not only bridges the digital generation gap between girls and parents, but it also empowers girls to become leaders and advocates for the safe and responsible use of technology,” added Laurel Richie, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Girl Scouts of the USA. “We are excited to work with Microsoft to create a campaign that encourages girls to speak and voice their concerns about Internet safety.”