On Friday, Minister Michael Scott announced a new initiative to keep Bermuda's kids safe online. This programme targets kids ages 2-9 teaching them to be safe on the internet. Minister Scott:

During TechWeek 2009, the Cybertips website mascot, a Bermuda skink, was given the name Cyber Cyd, which was the winning entry from a primary school contest held to name him. During TechWeek 2010 saw us take this to another level with the Cybertips website, featuring Cyber Cyd, now providing a link from which children can connect to Hector’s World…. a digital citizenship resource for 2 to 9 year of age. Hector’s World originates out of New Zealand and has a wealth of resources for young children and their teachers and parents, with a particular focus on online safety.

Whether from home, school or even via a mobile phone, Bermuda children can now enjoy the wealth of resources Hector’s World offers: animated episodes, puzzles, music videos, games, songs, and more. The Hector’s World website is a fantastic learning resource, perfect for use with the many computers and interactive whiteboards in Bermuda classrooms. A primary school colouring contest during this year’s TechWeek allowed local school children to give their voices to Cyber Cyd in welcoming Hector and his friends to Bermuda, while also providing online safety tips.

Mr. Speaker, Hector’s World is already used in New Zealand, the UK, and Australia. Bermuda is the newest country partner and the first from the North American and Caribbean region. Hector’s World will be launching in other countries later this year. Liz Butterfield, Managing Director of New Zealand charity Hector’s World Ltd. said: …..“We are delighted that Bermuda’s children will now be learning with Hector’s World.

This education helps build the skills and values children will need for life online and can begin whenever a child first starts using technology. The Department of E-Commerce has been doing a great job promoting education to minimise the risks and maximise the benefits online technologies have to offer the people of Bermuda. Now Hector and his friends can help with this education of your youngest citizens in homes and classrooms. I know Hector will feel right at home in the beautiful blue waters of Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker, the Cybertips initiative must continue to be proactive in raising awareness, and encouraging Internet users to be safe and smart in the online environment. If our citizens know the dangers, they can work to avoid them.

Learn more about the Cybertips Initiative and how to keep your children safe online at www.cybertips.bm