Secretary of State Gorbea, AT&T host digital literacy workshop

PROVIDENCE, R.I., January 20, 2016 — Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is partnering with AT&T to launch the Digital You awareness campaign, a new, comprehensive program that offers tools, tips, apps, guidance and community education events for people of all ages and levels of online experience to learn more about how to have a safe and secure online experience.

The Digital You campaign was officially launched on Wednesday with an event held at East Providence High School. Secretary Gorbea joined leaders from AT&T New England to speak with 300 9th graders about how they can improve their digital literacy and protect their “digital footprints” with all of their online activities.

Students watched several videos on digital footprint and appropriate use of social media and offered their thoughts on how they can improve their online habits. Wednesday’s discussion at East Providence High School was the first of a series of events AT&T plans to host across Rhode Island.

“I hope that today’s message of “think before you post” resonates so that students understand the responsibility that comes with using technology,” Secretary Gorbea said. “Teaching students to use their devices responsibly and be good digital citizens is important and I am grateful that AT&T developed Digital You for this purpose.”

“We are pleased to host today’s event at East Providence High School,” said Shani Wallace, principal, East Providence High School. “This is a great opportunity for our students to learn how to put their best foot forward online for parents, friends, teachers, coaches, colleges, future employers and their own self-esteem.”

“We applaud Secretary of State Gorbea for bringing awareness to the important issue of digital safety to Rhode Islanders,” said Patricia Jacobs, president, AT&T New England. “The Internet has improved how many of us study, work and play. Digital You was designed to further enhance that time online, with information that can help you to be safe, secure and savvy during virtual interactions. We also provide information designed to boost newcomers’ digital literacy skills and empower them to become safer and more secure digital citizens.”

Through Digital You, AT&T has collaborated with prominent national organizations like Common Sense and AARP to increase digital literacy as well as local organizations across the country to assemble and promote expert online safety information in a number of formats.

For more information on the resources available, check out www.digitalyou.att.com.