Terry Goddard Encourages Kids to Take Megan Pledge to Stop Cyberbullying

(Phoenix, Ariz. – May 30, 2008) Attorney General Terry Goddard today kicked off National Internet Safety month by encouraging young people to take the Megan Pledge and take a stand against cyberbullying.

“Kids no longer need muscles to bully and torment their peers,” Goddard said. “Some young people use Web sites, cell phones, instant messaging, chat rooms and blogs to harass, threaten and ridicule. The impact on the victim can be devastating and even tragic. There are steps parents and their children can take to stop Internet bullying.”

The Megan Pledge campaign follows the tragic death in 2006 of Missouri teen Megan Meier, who took her own life after being the victim of harassment and ridicule online. More information about the Pledge, as well as other Internet Safety resources, is posted on the Attorney General’s Office Web site at www.azag.gov.

Goddard will participate in two other Internet Safety presentations in June. Event information is listed below.

Tolleson Presentation

Goddard will talk with students at the Woodrow C. Scoutten Boys and Girls Club in Tolleson about avoiding Internet predators, staying safe on social networking sites and the importance of combating cyberbullying in their school and online communities. The presentation will begin at

10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 12.

Event Information
Who: Attorney General Terry Goddard
What: Internet Safety Presentation
When: Thursday, June 12
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Woodrow C. Scoutten Boys and Girls Club
  9251 W. Washington St., Tolleson
Note: This event is open to the media.
Yuma Presentation

Goddard will talk with students at the Boys and Girls Club of Yuma about avoiding Internet predators, staying safe on social networking sites and the importance of combating cyberbullying in their school and online communities. The presentation will begin at 2 p.m. on

Friday, June 13.
Event Information
Who: Attorney General Terry Goddard
What: Internet Safety Presentation
When: Friday, June 13
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: Boys and Girls Club of Yuma
  1100 S. 13th Ave., Yuma
Note: This event is open to the media.

Over the last two years, Goddard and members of the Attorney General’s Community Services staff have visited over 70 schools, delivering presentations to nearly 25,000 parents, students and teachers throughout Arizona to emphasize the importance of Internet Safety. If you are interested in having an Internet Safety presentation done at your school, please contact the Community Services Program 602-542-2123.