Google announced the launch of "Abtal Al Internet" (Heroes of the Internet), its new program aimed at teaching children the basics of safe Internet use in Arabic.
The program offers a variety of online references and activities to encourage children, teachers and parents to make smarter online decisions.
The platform "g.co-Abtalinternet" focuses on five basic principles to help children explore the world of Internet safely and confidently by teaching them how to use the network with intelligence, caution, trust, kindness and courage.
The program also includes an amusing electronic game known as "A'lam Al Internet", featuring many adventures that tackle electronic safety, learning about electronic fraud, avoiding cyber-bullying, basics of privacy and security, maintaining digital reputation and the importance of reporting any inappropriate online content.
The "Abtal al Internet" program was developed in collaboration with e-security institutions, including the Family Online Safety Institute, iKeepSafe, and the ConnectSafely non-profit organization.
To make the most of the Internet, children must be prepared to make smart decisions.
Tarek Abdalla, Google's regional head of marketing for MENA, said the company believes in the role of technology in unleashing creativity and opportunity, even for children.
At the same time, children should be fully aware of the safe use of the Internet, so that they can enjoy the opportunities offered by communication in the digital age.
The company wants all children to be able to protect their personal information on the World Wide Web, avoid inappropriate content, and phishing attempts.
The new program will allow teachers and parents to obtain viable references to teach the basics of digital citizenship and the safe use of Internet in a fun way for children in the Arab world.
A recent survey by Google with a group of teachers in the Arab world revealed the importance of starting e-safety education for children at homes before school.
Ninety-eight percent of teachers said that the subject of electronic security should be an essential part of the curriculum. One out of three teachers reported having at least one incident related to digital security at school (for instance, sharing personal information or cyber-bullying) and 84 percent said they did not have the required references to teach students the basics of digital security.
Asharq Al-Awsat surfed the electronic platform, which included information to warn children about online fraud, another article to teach them how to protect their secrets, a third to train them to use kindness in spreading positive energy on the Internet, and fourth encouraged them to notify adults of suspicious content that appears on the screen.
