[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 31 (Monday, February 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE STUDENT INTERNET SAFETY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 23, 2009

  Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, on January 28, 2009, I introduced the 
Student Internet Safety Act, legislation that would provide our 
Nation's schools more leeway in teaching children about the dangers 
associated with predators on the Internet.
  Everyday, children and teens alike rely on the internet for multiple 
resources. Whether it's research for a school project, visiting an 
online social network such as Facebook or Myspace, or checking movie 
times for a local theater, our Nation's youth remains increasingly 
active online and it is paramount that they are aware of the potential 
risks of online predators and know how to stay safe online.
  While many parents continue to educate their children about the 
importance of online safety, this is an important message that our 
schools should have the ability to reinforce as well. Currently, school 
districts that receive grants under the Ed Tech Program and the Safe 
and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program from the U.S. Department 
of Education may use the Federal funds for a wide variety of authorized 
activities, such as drug and violence prevention activities, 
establishing and maintaining a school safety hotline, or developing, 
enhancing, or implementing information technology courses.
  The Student Internet Safety Act would expand the list of authorized 
activities to allow schools to develop and implement programs that 
promote the safe use of the Internet by students, such as programs that 
educate students about appropriate online behavior, including 
interacting with individuals on social networking Web sites and in chat 
rooms; protect students against online predators, cyberbullying, or 
unwanted exposure to inappropriate material; or promote involvement by 
parents in the use of the Internet by their children.
  I am encouraged by the support this legislation has received both 
locally and nationally as well. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated, 
``All of us must take a proactive action to teach our kids how to stay 
safe online. This legislation takes important steps to make this 
happen. Nothing is more important to our communities' future than the 
safety and well being of our children.'' In addition, Ernie Allen, 
President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited 
Children said, ``The internet holds tremendous potential for our 
Nation's youth. But we must educate young people about how to prevent 
online victimization so they may have safer experiences online.''
  Given the vital role the Internet plays in schools across the Nation, 
the Student Internet Safety Act would give schools the ability to 
educate their students about staying safe in a rapidly growing online 
community. We teach our children how to look both ways before crossing 
the street; we also need to teach them the safety rules for the 
information superhighway.
  I welcome the support of my colleagues and look forward to working 
together to ensure the safety of our children from the dangers 
associated with predators on the Internet.

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