McAfee has made it public that it has been able to reach more than 100,000 youth, parents and teachers around the globe with its cyber education program.
The McAfee Cares – Online Safety for Kids Program is a free school initiative that utilizes McAfee employees, partners and customers who volunteer to train children and parents on ways to stay safe, as well as maintain good ethics in their online behavior.
According to the 2013 McAfee Digital Deception study, “Exploring the Online Disconnect between Parents and Kids,” about 25 percent of youth spend five to six hours a day online. Eighty-six percent of youth believe that social media sites are safe and are aware that sharing personal details online carry risk, yet they continue to post personal information such as their email addresses and social security numbers.
“We have a responsibility to equip the next generation of computer users with the skills they need to safely experience all the benefits of the Internet,” said Craig Hockley, Regional Director, South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa, McAfee, Inc. “And just as important is making sure they understand how to be responsible cyber citizens. We teach skills needed to navigate the digital world, including how to safeguard against cybercriminals, hackers and cyber bullies.”
Earlier on in May 16, McAfee hosted its second annual McAfee Global Community Service Day to continue the effort of helping hundreds of non-profits around the world. As part of this day of service, McAfee volunteers taught cyber education to approximately 25,000 kids, parents and teachers around the world.
The McAfee Online Safety for Kids program is recognized by IDG’s Computerworld Honors Program as a 2013 Laureate. The annual award program honors visionary applications of information technology promoting positive social, economic and educational change. Founded by International Data Group (IDG) in 1988, The Computerworld Honors Program is governed by the not-for-profit Computerworld Information Technology Awards Foundation.