National PTA and Fox Interactive Media Join Common Sense in Internet Safety Campaign

Kiefer Sutherland stars in public service announcements promoting campaign

By Liz Perle,
Editor in Chief, Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media, the National PTA, and Fox Interactive Media have partnered on a major national Internet safety campaign designed to reach millions of parents. The goal is to help parents keep their kids Internet safe and smart. It includes the Internet Survival Guide for Parents located here at www.commonsense.com, online advertisements running across the Fox Interactive Media network, and a public service television ad starring Kiefer Sutherland of the hit TV show "24." News Corporation — which owns MySpace -- is backing the campaign with millions of dollars of air time and ad space across its properties.

This partnership is a great way to reach millions of parents with the practical information they need. And to the credit of all, no editorial integrity was compromised in any way. We all share a common goal: helping parents to teach their kids how to get the best out of the Internet while acting responsibly and safely online.

Our recent national poll clearly showed how torn parents are when it comes to their kids' Internet lives: 85% of parents considered the Internet the most risky form of media for their kids. At the same time, the poll showed that 77% of parents surveyed think the Internet is an important tool to help their kids learn and 91% said they thought the Internet helps their kids explore subjects they are passionate about.

We are fortunate to have the PTA members as our partners. As Anna Wesalak, the PTA's National President says, "For decades PTA members have been dedicated to the safety of all children and students. We feel that the Internet can be a very useful tool for education and that the Common Sense Media resources will educate parents on how to keep their children safe online. The goal is for parents to make informed decisions about technology to help their children succeed while keeping them safe in the process."

At Common Sense, we try to give parents the practical tools they need to help raise media savvy kids. That has been the goal of our Internet safety campaign from the start, and with the support of the National PTA and Fox Interactive, we hope to help millions of parents keep their kids Internet safe and smart online.