Garfield joins cyber security fight

NBC News – (NBC News) Cyber security experts are getting help from one of the world's most popular cartoon characters.

"Garfield" is now working to teach kids how to safely use the internet on all the electronic devices they're about to get for Christmas.

Garfield's creator Jim Davis says he's flattered and honored.

"If Garfield can help in any way, any small way, any big way, we're all for it," he says.

"Millions of kids are probably going to get their first tablet, their first phone," notes Patrick Craven of the Center for Cyber Safety and Education.

With those devices comes access to the internet, where proven dangers lurk, especially for young users.

"The kids are giving out their phone numbers to strangers, they're contacting strangers online," Craven says. "It's shocking and it's a very dangerous situation."

That's where Garfield comes in.

Jim Davis partnered with the Cyber Safety Center to write scripts for videos and comic books featuring Garfield and his friends using "safe internet" storylines.

The Garfield video is available now on the Cyber Safety Center's website and the next comic book episode comes out February.