Ask.com and Web Wise Kids Launch Internet Safety Public Service Campaign Featuring NASCAR(R) Driver Bobby Labonte
Internet is as important as driving wisely on the race track, Ask.com, a
leading search engine and an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), and Web
Wise Kids, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering today’s
youth to make wise choices online, today announced the launch of a national
Internet safety television and radio public service campaign. The campaign,
which can be viewed at www.safesearchschools.com/psa.html, features Internet
safety tips delivered by
Fusion. In addition to representing Ask.com on the race track, Labonte, who
is the father of a 14-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, serves as the
brand’s spokesperson for its efforts to promote Internet safety for children.
“Children spend more time online than watching television, so educating
them on both the benefits and potential dangers of the online world is
critical,” said
education and safety are at the core of Ask.com’s values, which align with
those of
year Ask.com became the Official Search Engine of NASCAR.
“As a father, keeping my kids safe on the Internet is a big concern for
me, so I’m excited to join Ask.com and Web Wise Kids in building awareness
around the role parents and educators can play in teaching cyber safety,” said
Labonte. “We can make a positive difference by talking with kids about how
they use computers, teaching them not to share personal information, knowing
what sites are kid-friendly, and staying up to speed on the latest online
social trends.”
The Ask.com and Web Wise Kids Internet Safety Public Service campaign
includes :30 and :60 television and radio spots featuring Labonte, who, as
racing footage runs on the screen, explains that when cars race 200 miles per
hour, there are many unseen dangers that “spotters” high above the track help
drivers like him avoid. Likewise, parents can be “spotters,” helping children
avoid the unseen dangers that may be online by following simple Internet
safety tips. These include: 1) Keep the computer in a family area where you
can see it; 2) Proactively teach your kids never to share personal
information; 3) Become knowledgeable about signing on to websites, searching
for information and using email and instant messaging; 4) Familiarize yourself
with safer websites and post that list by your computer.
“The Internet can be a vibrant world full of positive exploration, but
it’s important parents make children aware of the negatives without
preaching,” said
applaud Ask.com for conceiving such a vital public service campaign, and
delivering this important message through a celebrated NASCAR driver — a
powerful combination to reach parents, kids and NASCAR fans.”
About Ask.com
Ask.com is an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq:IACI). The Ask Network of
sites is the 11th largest Internet property in the world, with more than 164
million worldwide unique monthly users, according to
data. Ask.com syndicates its search technology and advertising solutions to a
network of affiliate partners.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the
sanctioning body for one of
1 spectator sport — holding 17 of the top 20 highest attended sporting events
in the U.S., and is the No. 2 rated regular-season sport on television. NASCAR
races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in more than 30 languages.
NASCAR fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more
Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than in any other sport.
About Web Wise Kids
Web Wise Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to
empowering today’s youth to make wise choices online through easy-to-use,
school-approved Internet safety education programs for young people. Today’s
e-generation is taught valuable lessons using unique computer games with fun,
interactive simulations based on real-life criminal cases. Web Wise Kids
programs have reached more than five million children and thousands of parents
nationwide in conjunction with school systems, law enforcement, teachers,
community-based youth organizations and others. For more information, visit
www.webwisekids.org or call 714-435-2885.
SOURCE Ask.com