Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott Delivers Remarks At Internet Safety Billboard Campaign Launch In San Antonio
AUSTIN – Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott today delivered remarks at the launch of the R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t nationwide online safety campaign in San Antonio. In her remarks, the First Lady discussed the importance of educating parents about the importance of online safety and thanked the R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t Campaign for their partnership with the Office of the Governor on the launch of this new digital billboard campaign across the state.
The R.E.A.L Friends Don’t campaign increases awareness and educates parents and caregivers about online safety. The goal is to empower parents to protect their children from harmful content, grooming, or online exploitation. Through a partnership with the Office of the Governor, the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas, and the McCain Institute for International Leadership, R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t is launching digital billboards across the state of Texas to educate Texans about online safety and ensure parents and caregivers have the tools and resources to keep their children safe. The billboards, with English and Spanish messages, will be broadcast throughout Texas in more than 70 cities now through the end of the year.
“As our children spend more time on the internet, the crime of online enticement continues to grow — but we can help shine a light on this darkness and help parents protect their children and teens,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “It begins with raising awareness and educating parents and caregivers on the danger signs, and then giving them the tools to fight back. That’s exactly what the R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t online safety campaign will do, and I am proud to partner with them on this important issue. I have no doubt that by joining together, we can help protect each and every child in our great state.”
The First Lady was joined for the campaign launch by McCain Institute Board of Trustees and Human Trafficking Advisory Council Chair Cindy McCain, Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas President Lee Vela, faith leaders from the Governor’s GRACE initiative, and members of the Alamo Area Anti Human Trafficking Coalition.
OAAT President Lee Vela was emcee of the event.
San Antonio Council Member Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia welcomes all to San Antonio.
Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott speaks.
Various speakers at event: Lee Vela, OAAT President, Bishop Stirrup, San Antonio Council Member Adriana Rocha Garcia, Kristen Abrams, McCain Institute, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, LisaBeth, Thomas, Texas Women in Business, Bishop Shelton Rhodes, David Lunan, Bexar County Assistance District Attorney, Erin Barry, Alamo Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Officer Stephania Velazquez, Southwest Independent School District.
OAAT board members with First Lady Cecilia Abbott: Lee Vela, President (Clear Channel Outdoor), Ron Kibler, Board member (Lamar Advertising), Mrs. Abbott, Michell Costa, board member (Clear Channel Outdoor) and Zack Danielson, Board member (OutFront)
