8/7/2008
On July 17th, student delegates, ages 14-17, met in London to discuss current Internet safety and security measures. These 140 students were part of the International Youth Advisory Congress (IYAC), an effort on the part of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) to hear what teens all over the world really think about online safety.
Twenty US student delegates, selected by NetSmartz Workshop, the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and a philanthropic organization attended the Congress, accompanied by NetSmartz Educational Writer Michelle Menillo. As she observed the student-led workgroups and took notes, it became clear to Michelle that there was no substitute for hearing from teens in their own words. Check back over the next few weeks to read about the experiences of the US student delegates in their own unique voices. This week's installment features IYAC delegate Pratik from Nebraska:
IYAC in London was a lot of fun. I enjoyed meeting new people and being able to make a difference in Internet Safety. I also liked the fact that there was always something to do each day. I was almost never bored. I learned how Government, Industry, Law Enforcement, and Educators were trying to help make the Internet safer. I noticed that while some people were on the right track, others could be doing better in resolving this issue. This is why I relished the opportunity to ask questions, and give out ideas in our Workgroups. In our groups, we discussed what some companies were doing really well, and what they were doing wrong. I also noticed that our group leaders took note of what we said. I felt good about that because it meant that people were actually trying to listen to the younger generation. As a result of IYAC, I would like to see not only a resolution to the issue of Internet safety, but also youth having a larger voice in the world's issues. We are the next generation, but what use is it if we aren't listened to now?
