June is National Internet Safety Month. The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness of the dangers to which children may be exposed on the Internet and ways in which they can be protected from them.

Online safety is everyone's responsibility. Parents need to be vigilant about their children's use of the computer and cell phone. Teachers need to promote responsible Internet usage by students. Internet safety organizations need to help youth develop the decision-making skills needed to use the Web safely. Only through such coordinated efforts can we maximize the benefits of the Internet, while minimizing its dangers.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) supports a number of programs and activities designed to raise awareness about the importance of online safety and to help protect children and youth from online exploitation and victimization.