Washington - Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) aimed at keeping children safe in their online activities. The Internet Safety Education Act would provide funds for national, state and community programs that educate children and parents about safe internet use.

"Parents know that threats to our children from cyberspace are in fact a very real danger, and this is the type of serious action we need to take," said Senator Menendez. "I am encouraged by and appreciative of the quick action of the committee. I will work with the Majority Leader to see this legislation through so that children, parents and teachers have the awareness it takes to avoid internet predators."

Sen. Menendez's initiative would create a $10 million grant program for the Attorney General to develop and administer. Grants would be awarded on a competitive basis to organizations that provide free education about internet safety to children, parents, and teachers.

According to the Internet Keep Safe Coalition, one in five children receives a sexual solicitation via the Internet over a one-year period. In addition, twenty-nine percent of children freely give out their home addresses when asked.

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