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More than 200 students from Austin Independent School District were on hand February 6th for the official U.S. celebration of Safer Internet Day. The day began with welcome addresses from ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid and National PTA President James Accomando followed by remarks by Austin Independent School District superintendent Paul Cruz. Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon Clyburn was the keynote speaker. Another highlight was the “Youth & Tech Industry Issues in Perspective” panel, with representatives of Google, Facebook and After School along with two student leaders from Austin.

Students and industry discuss social media privacy.

Another session, “A Teen Who Doesn’t Just Play Games – He Builds Them,” featured Austin American-Statesman reporter Omar Gallega interviewing 19-year-old college student and Roblox developer Andrew Bereza, who — beginning at age 15 — has been earning substantial income and sharing his enthusiasm as a Roblox game developer.

But the event was more than students listening to speakers. After lunch, everyone rolled up their sleeves for “You Are An Internet Activist,” where students, in small groups, created their own media campaigns to spread awareness on the importance of media literacy. See the results of the students’ efforts here.

Students working on awareness materials about the importance of media literacy skills (photos Christopher Le/ConnectSafely).

Click here to read the entire agenda and watch the replay of the live stream.


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