Web Wise Kids and Verizon Partner to Educate Salem-Keizer Middle School Students on Internet Safety In Oregon

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SALEM, OR — Middle school students in Salem-Keizer Public Schools have a new resource for learning how to use cell phones and the Internet responsibly, thanks to an online education program funded by a $30,000 grant from Verizon. The program will be announced Thursday at Crossler Middle School in Salem, OR at 8:30 am.

The grant will enable teachers and students from Salem-Keizer’s 10 middle schools to be trained on Web Wise Kids’ award-winning “It’s Your Call” safety game. “It’s Your Call” is an interactive game, based on true stories, that allows users to play out difficult situations in the safety of cyberspace before they live them out in real life. Salem-Keizer is Oregon’s second-largest school district, and serves over 9,000 middle school age students. Through a train-the-trainer approach, the District’s middle school teachers and students will have the opportunity to receive training over the next two years.

“It’s critical that we educate our young people on how to use cell phones and the Internet responsibly,” said Oregon State Senator Jackie Winters. “I commend Verizon and Web Wise Kids for this partnership that will increase the safety and security of our children.”

“Web Wise Kids is dedicated to empowering today’s youth to be responsible citizens in a digital world,” says Judi Westberg-Warren, President of Web Wise Kids. “By partnering with the Salem—Keizer School District, Web Wise Kids and Verizon will amplify Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ efforts to bring online education to thousands of students and promote the importance of online and cell phone safety.”

“Verizon Wireless operates America’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network and we want our customers to have the best possible experience using those networks,” said Kelley Kurtzman, Verizon Wireless Pacific Northwest region president. “This initiative reinforces that commitment by teaching young people to protect themselves while enjoying all the benefits of modern technology.”

Verizon empowers its customers with online and wireless Parental Control tools, such as content ratings, call blocking, text and call limits, Family Locator service and more. The Verizon Parental Control Center can be accessed at http://parentalcontrolcenter.com and also includes web content filtering and blocking and FiOS TV Parental Controls. Verizon also offers software called the Verizon Internet Security Suite to protect computers and family information from a wide array of threats, every hour of every day.

The Verizon Foundation uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation’s largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered nearly 6 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

About Web Wise Kids
Web Wise Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering today's youth to programs for young people. Today's e-generation is taught valuable lessons using unique computer games with fun, interactive simulations based on real-life criminal cases. Web Wise Kids programs have reached more than ten million children and thousands of parents nationwide in conjunction with school systems, law enforcement and community-based youth organizations. www.webwisekids.org.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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