MONTREAL – Videotron on Wednesday launched an Internet safety awareness campaign for adults and teens. The cableco’s “Vigilance on the Net” is aimed at promoting safer behaviour in cyberspace.
Videotron said the campaign was necessary as a recent poll by Léger Marketing revealed parents were generally aware of their teens’ online habits but underestimate the danger of some of the things they do on the web.
The poll found, for example, that parents underestimate their teens’ webcam use.
“It also appears that better control and communication would help curb risky behaviour. We, therefore, feel that as an Internet service provider we have a responsibility to provide teenage and adult Internet users in Quebec with practical tools,” said Videotron senior vice-president of marketing, content and product development Manon Brouillette.
Videotron’s campaign consists of three elements: distribution of its parental control software, the establishment of a website on Internet safety, and targeting safety messages directly at teens.
The website (www.vigilanceonthenet.com) will include practical advice, statistics and information on the potential risks of using the Internet. It will also provide resources and links to organizations that can help parents and teens who are experiencing Internet-related problems and need further assistance.
The public awareness campaign aimed at teens will be launched this fall, with more details being released this summer.
