Focus Kids launches Internet for Kids, a first of its kind initiative aimed at championing the cause of ‘Responsible Usage of Internet for Kids.’ Good Internet versus Bad Internet’ sessions will be conducted at schools to propagate the cause. Internet for Kids is a downloadable PDF guide that will help parents to have an active dialogue with their children about internet usage which is more ‘constructive’ than ‘restrictive’. The campaign revolves around three key principles - Learn, Talk and Explore. Learn - Parents and children need to know internet better. Parents, in order to ensure their children have a safe, well regulated and effective internet usage; and children to understand the medium and how it can be helpful to them. Talk - Discussing and talking about the doubts, myths, confusions, concerns in the most open manner is very important for both parents and children. Explore - It is important for parents and children to explore the various benefits of the internet, as it is a wonderful and ever evolving resource of information.

Speaking on the launch of Internet for Kids, Mr. Swapnil Puranik, Business Head, Focus Kids said, “The Internet is an excellent medium for kids to learn and explore. Today, it has become a way of life for both - parents and kids, making it imperative for them to understand this medium better. Parents should monitor what a kid sees and absorbs on the internet; without making him or her feel intruded. Restricting kids from using the internet or accessing social networking websites may not be the best solution. The ‘Internet for Kids’ parenting guide provides some simple yet effective methods in ensuring effective‘ Internet Parenting’ to address these issues. According to a recent survey it is estimated that 27% of urban kids in India currently consume internet, through various screens. Subsequently there is a growing concern among parents about the digital divide between them and their kids. It is not possible for parents to control the online activity of their kids at all times. Additionally, India does not have a cyber-policy that safe guards the interests of children like Children’s Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) in the United States. These gaps have increased the instances of online bullying and threatening, which can have an adverse impact on kids. Having worked with various kid’s brands and schools in the past, our intention is to inculcate the culture of responsible internet usage in kids across India, and increase awareness among parents, through an initiative like this.”

As an extension to the campaign, Focus Kids will be organizing interactive sessions in various schools across selected cities in India, which have commenced in February 2013. Colourful posters spreading awareness about the Good Internet versus Bad Internet sessions will be displayed in the schools prior to the same. During these sessions a brief will be provided by a Focus Kids representative and an edutainment video will be played, demonstrating the difference between good internet habits versus bad internet influence. A quick quiz will be held at the end to gauge the understanding of participants. A Good Internet tracker will be provided to all participants to keep a tab on useful websites they will be visiting through the year. As a social responsibility aspect of the campaign, Focus Kids plans to donate desktops units to deserving schools across Maharashtra, for every 1000 downloads of the Internet for Kids guide. This donation-drive will not only help encouraging downloads of the Internet for Kids guides, but will serve needy schools with quality internet access, in a bid to usher in a fresh medium of learning. Focus Kids plans to reach out to 400 schools across the country through this campaign.


- Dharmishtha Dagia