WEBROOT TEACHES PARENTS TO BE INTERNET SAVVY TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE

Webroot Software, Inc., a leading provider of security software for the consumer, enterprise and SMB markets, today announced the availability of a free educational tool for parents, “Protecting Children Online: A Handbook for Parents”. The 14-page handbook comes complete with safety tips, best practices and a glossary of common acronyms and abbreviations used in text messaging and Instant Messaging (IM) so parents can stay “in the know” with their kids’ lingo.

“Few parents would consider handing their child the car keys without having spent time with them behind the wheel. Yet, too often parents give their kids a computer with Internet access and set them free, which can make for an unsafe user experience,” said Peter Watkins, CEO, Webroot Software. “As a security company, we feel it is our job to help people use the Internet safely and to be educated in best practices. Since June is Internet Safety Month, it is the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to learn about online safety together.”

A recent Webroot study found that parents are not fully aware of their children’s online activities. For example, 45 percent of kids say they spend an average of three or more hours on the Internet at home everyday while 76 percent of parents said their children spend an average of two hours or less per day on the Internet at home. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the spring and summer seasons are when the majority of child abductions take place. As summer gets underway and school-age children log more time on home computers – leaving them open to predators – Webroot urges parents to begin playing an active role in regularly monitoring their kid’s online activities.

“Protecting Children Online: A Handbook for Parents” is a free, downloadable tool that empowers parents to get involved and teach safe online habits to their children. In addition to best practices, tips and resources, the handbook’s glossary educates parents on Internet terms and phrases, such as “POS” (Parent Over Shoulder) or “LMIRL” (Let’s Meet In Real Life), commonly used by kids online. The handbook will also be included in all Webroot Child Safe parental controls software packages.

“According to leading child advocacy groups, there is no substitute for education, conversation and software programs to control children’s exposure to harmful online content. Yet, a recent Webroot survey found that only about half of parents have chosen to use such software programs to help protect children online,” said Watkins. “The Webroot parent handbook will act as an excellent tool to help parents and guardians facilitate conversations with their children on how to protect themselves online.”

Top Five Online Safety Tips For Parents
1. Open a dialogue. Talk to your child about Internet safety. Surf the web together.
2. Be informed. Know what websites your child visits and with whom they are communicating.
3. Become Internet savvy – ask your children to teach you how to use programs they use.
4. If you or your children encounter inappropriate contact, report it immediately to law enforcement. Help your child understand what inappropriate contact means to you.
5. Use filtering or monitoring software. Empower yourself by knowing your child is protected online even if you are not there to supervise.


ABOUT WEBROOT
Webroot Software, Inc. provides industry leading security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. Globally recognized for its award-winning Spy Sweeper® line of anti-spyware products, Webroot recently incorporated anti-virus protection into two new products for consumers and SMBs, respectively: Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus software and Webroot SME Security software. The company expanded into the parental controls software market with the introduction of Webroot Child Safe software. The Boulder, Colorado based company is privately held and backed by some of the industry's leading venture capital firms, including Technology Crossover Ventures, Accel Partners and Mayfield. Webroot's software consistently receives top review ratings by respected third-party media and has been adopted by millions globally. Available as either branded solutions or on an OEM basis, Webroot products can be found at www.webroot.com and on the shelves of leading retailers worldwide. To find out more about Webroot, visit the website or call 1-800-772-9383.

©2007 Webroot Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Webroot, Spy Sweeper, and Child Safe are registered trademarks or trademarks of Webroot Software, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.


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