Google representatives gave students a 45-minute presentation aimed at being a “driver’s ed for the Web” Wednesday morning at Heritage Middle School in Lansing.
The project, titled the Good to Know School Roadshow, is intended to help kids be both smart and safe online. The company is in its second school year traveling the country and speaking with kids. State Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, helped bring the presentation to Heritage.
In Springfield Rep. Evans introduced HB3686, a bill that focused on Internet safety. That bill lead to a conversation between Google and Rep. Evans which resulted in Google coming to the 33rd district to discuss internet safety tips.
Google spokesperson Jamie Hill said the Roadshow is catered toward junior high and middle school students because most are getting their first personal devices. Many schools also provide kids with tablets or other electronic tools for school work.
The program involves talks, games and interaction to keep the kids engaged.
Hill said that if students take only one thing from the presentation, it’s to “think before they share,” the first in the program’s five key tips. The second tip is to protect yourself, focusing on setting strong passwords and locking devices that are not in use.
Security is a big concern. Hill said research shows that one in three children share passwords.
The other tips include knowing how to use the settings on the websites and apps kids use, avoiding scams and being positive when posting comments or other content online.
“We had a great response from the kids. They’re very engaged,” Hill said. “This is a good time to help them learn the best practices so as they get older, they can carry that good online behavior with them.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this important presentation for our youth. The internet and social media outlets has become mainstream for our youth and internet safety is most important in protecting them,” said Rep. Marcus Evans.