Bresnan's Child Internet Safety Timed with FCC's Focus

Last week Bresnan Communications was honored by the Billings City Council and Montana’s Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) for its efforts to educate local communities about safe and prudent Internet use by children.

Bresnan’s recognition coincided with the release of the National Broadband Plan, which includes Internet safety initiatives.

The Bresnan SafetyNet program offers educational and support materials as well as varied special events designed to keep children safe while surfing the Web, playing online games and watching TV. The program also provides free child fingerprinting and photographing services.?

Bresnan works closely with the ICAC Taskforce, often utilizing the knowledge and experience of Taskforce members in delivering Internet safety presentations. The company also donates free Internet and telephone services to aid the Taskforce in its undercover work.

Other MSOs have addressed child online safety in the past. Last summer, both Comcast and Cox hosted cyber security events. (For more, click here).

Federal Government

In his address to the nation’s school children earlier this year, President Obama talked about the importance of online behavior and warned students that poor online choices could have lasting repercussions.

Now, the National Broadband Plan prepared by the FCC and delivered to Congress on March 17, places more emphasis on Internet safety.

In a speech delivered March 12 by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., he announced the agency’s "Children’s Agenda for Digital Opportunity," building on four core pillars: digital access, digital literacy, digital citizenship, and digital safety.

Genachowski identified some key safety issues – cyber bullying, harmful websites, distracted driving and inappropriate advertising – that are included in the National Broadband Plan.

-Linda Hardesty