San Juan, Puerto Rico – August 8, 2007 –Microsoft and the Ricky Martin Foundation, today unveiled the Navega Protegido (Navigate Safely) campaign, which seeks to educate parents and children on safe and responsible use of the Internet.
The campaign includes the portal www.navegaprotegido.org, as well as three educational videos featuring Ricky Martin, among other materials, in an effort to offer parents, teachers and children useful tools to protect youths from the many risks associated with Internet use. The site provides important information on cyberspace terminology, Internet related risks and criminal activities, plus guides to surfing the Web safely, in simple language.
“The Internet is an extraordinary tool for enhancing the learning and entertainment experiences, but the associated risks for minors are significant. Through Navega Protegido we offer families and educators basic tools to reduce the exposure children may have to the types of abuse that occur on the Internet. Education is our most powerful weapon for prevention. We are honored to work with Microsoft on this project, because it is through alliances that we gather strength for our cause,” said Ricky Martin, Foundation president, who is in Puerto Rico for a two-day engagement, August 10 and 11, as part of his successful Blanco y Negro tour.
Increasingly the Internet is used by sexual predators and unscrupulous individuals to commit criminal acts such as distribution of child pornography and identity theft, as well as to publish violent content and transmit viruses. According to various sources, there are currently more than 100,000 child pornography pages on the Internet and, according to a study by the London School of Economy, nine out of 10 children between the ages of eight and 16 have accidentally accessed pornography on the Web while doing their homework. In addition, according to research conducted by the National Children’s Home Report, the number of child pornography images on the Internet has increased by 1500 per cent since 1988.
“As a technology industry leader, Microsoft is committed to on-line safety and particularly to any effort to reduce the risks and crimes that affect children. The statistics are alarming but there are many measures parents and teachers can take in order to protect our children. The Navega Protegido campaign, in alliance with the Ricky Martin Foundation, is an important step in this struggle and we are confident that other companies and organizations will join the cause so that we can multiply its impact,” added Ambrose Ramsahai, Country Manager for Microsoft Puerto Rico.
Fernando J. Bonilla, Secretary of State, representing the Governor of Puerto Rico, highlighted that for the new generations the Internet is the center of many aspects of their daily lives including learning, entertainment and socializing, and their constant exposure to the Web makes them more vulnerable. “With this in mind we must provide the tools to prevent the Internet from becoming a silent weapon for criminals who take advantage of our children. The Government is putting at the Ricky Martin Foundation’s disposal a variety of resources that will help to educate not only children, but also parents, teachers and social workers, about the guidelines and tools presented in the campaign’s site www.navegaprotegido.org that can help prevent their exposure to these risks.“
To ensure the prevention message reaches the largest possible audience, train the trainer seminars will be conducted through the Department of Education and teachers will be provided with brochures and posters to be used in the public schools. Two of the educational videos: “Se Astuto” (Be Smart) y “Protégete” (Protect yourself) will be placed on the site, as well as played at key events and teacher trainings. The videos target children between the ages of 7 and 11 years, as well a parents and educators. They will also be aired as public service announcements starting in September.
In addition, Caguas Mayor William Miranda Marin, endorsed Ricky Martin’s commitment to the children of his native land Puerto Rico and the world in his welcome speech, while highlighting the importance of this joint Ricky Martin Foundation and Microsoft initiative. “We at the Caguas municipality feel honored to host the launch of this campaign focused on generating awareness of each individual’s responsibility in this era of technology to protect our children and guarantee their healthy intellectual and emotional development,” emphasized Miranda Marin, who also presides the Board of Directors Central and East Technology Initiative (INTECO). He added that approximately 500,000 children and adults will receive the Navega Protegido message through this organization’s Technology Innovation Centers in Caguas, Cayey, Gurabo, Humacao, Juncos, Las Piedras, Naguabo and San Lorenzo.
Microsoft and the Ricky Martin Foundation have been working closely since 2005 to develop Internet Safety educational materials for use throughout Latin America. As part of this alliance, Navega Protegido initiatives have been implemented in México, Costa Rica and Colombia. This new phase of the alliance has been launched in Puerto Rico and will be rolled out to other Central America and Caribbean markets in the near future.
Microsoft and the Ricky Martin Foundation exhort the public to navigate together for the safety of our children. For additional information please visit www.navegaprotegido.org.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
