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>>Anchor: A local initiative is being launched make sure kids know right from wrong when
it comes to cell phone use. Our Leah George joins us from the Strong Museum of Play with
that story. >>Reporter: Cell Phone Smart is a public awareness
and education campaign that targets kids who aren’t cell phone users yet, but will be
soon. According to the international not-for-profit coalition iKeepSafe, 58 percent of 12-year-olds
own cell phones. That's up from 18 percent in 2004. Cyber crimes involving kids are also
on the rise. Cell Phone Smart aims to help prevent some of the dangers associated with
our increasingly technological society. >>[Think before you post or share information]
>>Reporter: Campaign materials include messages like: be aware, show you care, focus on one
activity at a time like riding your bike or texting, be nice-think twice before hitting
send for sharing pictures. And, a time and place to show your face. If you have something
important to say, do it in person. Researchers at RIT provided much of the research around
cyber crimes and digital trends that was used as the foundation for this campaign.
>>Kelly McMahon: When we were kids, we used to be going, running around all day, and Mom
would say be home by dinner. Today, that is a completely different story. Today, kids
are tethered with phones to their parents, and we want them to use them responsibly and
know that there's accountability with a cell phone, which is why we've launched this campaign
today. >>Reporter: The Cell Phone Smart program is
being taught in several Monroe County schools and is being funded by the Department of Justice.
Campaign materials are available online and can be easily downloaded for use. We’ll
put a link to that Web site on ours, ynn.com. Reporting from the Strong Museum of Play,
Leah George, YNN.