In the United States, the federal Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Stop.Think.Connect. campaign has a new partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA to help raise awareness among more than 3.2 million youth across the USA about the importance of cybersecurity and online safety. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said: “Today, we are more connected to the Internet than ever before, but increased interconnectivity increases the risk of theft, fraud and abuse. We are proud to partner with Girl Scouts of the USA to help women and girls protect themselves online and do their part to ensure that cyberspace is a safe and secure environment for all internet users.”
Anna Maria Chávez, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of the USA, said: “This collaboration between Girl Scouts and the US Department of Homeland Security will empower girls to become leaders and advocates for the safe and responsible use of technology. We know that girls are online. As adults, it is our responsibility to create an environment that encourages girls to establish healthy online habits.”
The DHS says that the campaign will provide the Girl Scouts of the USA with tools and resources to help raise awareness among kids, teens, and young adults about emerging online threats and the importance of cybersecurity. This partnership builds on the campaign’s ongoing efforts to highlight curriculum resources available to communities, and to educate America’s youth about safer online practices. Briefly it’s a US-wide public awareness effort seeking to by educate and empower the American public to be more vigilant about practicing safe online habits. The campaign encourages Americans to view internet safety and security as a shared responsibility at home, in the workplace, and in our communities.
Girl Scouts of the USA was founded in 1912 with the goal of bringing girls out of isolated home environments and into community service. Through enriching experiences such as field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, Girl Scouts seeks to grow courageous and strong young women.
For additional information on the campaign – visit the DHS Stop.Think.Connect webpages.
