In recognition of National Internet Safety Month, AT&T Inc. announced collaboration with nonprofit advocacy organizations to promote a safe online experience for consumers. AT&T also encouraged parents to be involved in their children's online activity, including wireless devices and computers. AT&T has a long-standing commitment to protect consumers online and safeguard their Internet experience. The company offers parental controls for various communications modes such as Surf Smart, Wireless Smart, Watch Smart and Talk Smart.

Building on its heritage of innovation and unsurpassed reliability, integrity and quality, AT&T offers a range of safety and control features for local phone service as well as helpful information to protect consumers from phone-based scams. The Internet offers a world of information. Surfing, shopping and communicating online can provide hours of enjoyment, but as with any public activity, it's important to think about security, personal privacy and safety. Armed with the right information, you can make smart decisions about how to safely use the Internet.

Along with the tools and services that AT&T provides to customers to help keep their families safe, the company is also supporting a number of critical outreach efforts that will help educate parents, children and communities about online safety. AT&T is working with the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), the Internet Keep Safe Coalition (IKeepSafe), Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officers and Enough Is Enough to provide the resources and educational opportunities necessary to inform consumers of all ages about the benefits and challenges faced online.

Today's consumers rely on their communications and entertainment services more than ever before to stay connected to their world. But with technology evolving so rapidly, keeping abreast of the latest safety features, tools and information can be a challenge. Parental controls are vital in safeguarding families, while tips on the latest scams and other safety issues help raise awareness. To aid in promoting safe practices, AT&T has assembled a comprehensive selection of consumer safety information below for each of its services — wireless and wireline voice services, high speed Internet access and video options.

"We've taught our children to be wary of 'stranger danger' on the playground, but their wide use of the Internet and networking sites expands the dangers of a virtual playground that reaches into our homes," stated U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, who sponsored the U.S. House of Representatives resolution designating June as National Internet Safety Month.

Later this fall, with support from AT&T, the IKeepSafe coalition and DARE officers will launch an Internet safety program for children that will be provided in schools throughout the country. The online safety program will target children in grades one through five, with an emphasis on cyberbullying for fifth-graders. Programs also will be provided to parents and organizations in these communities.

AT&T is also supporting a program through Enough Is Enough, an Internet safety organization dedicated to protecting children and families from the Internet dangers of pornography and sexual predators. The program targets at- risk youth, who have little to no parental supervision and are in an environment that makes them more susceptible to risky online behavior. The pilot program launches in Virginia in the fall, and the national rollout is next year. The organization will also distribute an online safety 101 kit for parents later this year, with tips and instruction from a variety of organizations and companies, including AT&T.