Nickelodeon and Common Sense Media Partner on Digital Citizenship

Common Sense Media, the national organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by helping them thrive in a world of media and technology, today announced a partnership with Nickelodeon on a digital citizenship and anti-bullying campaign designed to provide kids with tools to help them practice responsible digital behavior.

As part of Nickelodeon's The Big Help, a long-term effort to connect kids to issues and information important in their lives, the multiplatform, interactive initiative will include a website that will highlight Common Sense Media's digital citizenship and anti-bullying advice - Common Sense's "Rules of the Road" - to help kids practice safe and responsible online and mobile behavior.

The campaign will also include PSAs featuring the stars from Nickelodeon's hit live-action series, including iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove and Nathan Kress, who will share tips developed from Common Sense Media's groundbreaking digital citizenship curriculum for avoiding and reporting cyberbullying. True Jackson, VP's Ashley Argota and Gage Golightly from The Troop will appear in PSAs that will be featured on Nickelodeon channels and websites, including Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nick.com. The first spot with Argota and Golightly will begin airing on March 28.

"Today's kids connect, create, and collaborate through media. But it's extremely important for them to reflect on the implications of their online actions," said James Steyer, CEO and founder, Common Sense Media. "We need to empower our kids to think critically about how they interact with others in their online and mobile lives, and help them make responsible decisions. We're thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon on this campaign. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to provide kids directly with the tools and tips they need to be smart, creative, and respectful digital citizens."

"Kids are interacting with digital media every day. It is second nature to them and an important part of their lives," said Marva Smalls, executive vice president of public affairs, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group. "Nickelodeon provides kids with information to help them have engaging, entertaining and healthy experiences online. By partnering with Common Sense, we will help young people simplify and improve their digital communications."

Nickelodeon will be presenting the digital citizenship and anti-bullying campaign as part of The Big Help pro-social initiative, empowering kids to take positive action on issues that impact their world by giving them the tools to do it. In the PSAs, Nickelodeon's live-action stars will speak directly to kids about the importance of showing mutual respect for people when communicating on all digital platforms. They also will talk about online safety and urge kids to use "common sense" through tips on protecting their privacy and identity online.

At Nick.com, The Big Help experience will also feature Common Sense Media's "Rules of the Road" videos and lessons, including an anti-bullying quiz and other interactive content. Kids who participate in the campaign will receive digital rewards for their Nick.com avatars. Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect.com will also be a part of this initiative with a special "Rules of the Road" section and a discussion board. The interactive website is launching with the PSAs on March 28, 2011.

Common Sense Media and Nickelodeon are collaborating on all aspects of the long-term anti-bullying and digital citizenship campaign, including an additional microsite that will be developed by Common Sense later this year.

To view the PSAs and connect with the new anti-bullying and digital citizenship campaign from Common Sense Media and Nickelodeon, visit http://www.nick.com/thebighelp and click on the Digital Citizenship hub tab. For more information about Common Sense Media's parent and classroom education programs, visit www.commonsense.org/educators.

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

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