Do you feel safer, today? Just knowing I’ve been declared safer by “experts” while I type out this blog post makes me feel…well, disappointed.
I have to be more than a it cynical here. I’m not fomenting paranoia or fear, that doesn’t help with safety. On the other hand, a new report in January, along with its media hyped headlines, can set back online safety, too.
The report is, ironically enough, by the same self-appointed sheriffs of the internet that rode after and rounded up Myspace last year.
“Enhancing Child Safety & Online Technology”, is a report commissioned by 49 state Attorneys General and completed by the Technical Task Force. This report generated eye-catching headlines such as “Internet No Threat to Children.”
I hoping you see headlines like “Study Blasted for Downplaying Online Threats to Children.”
The Task Force reached 4 major conclusions:
1. The belief that predators run rampant on social networking sites has been largely exaggerated.
2. Cyberbullying presents a more widespread threat to kids than predators.
3. More research is needed to fully assess the threat of both predators and cyberbullies.
4. Technology, such as age-verification, will not solve all the problems.
Most of the studies were completed before social networking really took off. There is no way to know the impact of kids on these sites yet. In thier favor, the Task Force does say more research is needed.
Nobody has to stay up at night worrying about their kids being stalked by online predators all the time. We knew that. Don’t get complacent, either. Parents are #1 in the first line of defense to protect your kids online.
Teaching your child the basics of good online safety is one of the best ways to keep them out of scams and traps as they become adults, too. By then, the attorneys generals could declare other things completely safe, too and happily….I could retire!
Did you teach them how to be safe online when using them, too?
Bad Santa!
Many of these electronic items allow Internet access or have the ability to send and receive messages, pictures and videos.
As a parent, you should realize that many of these allow your child to play with people from all over the world. They can also communicate with them.
So, it’s time to have a chat with your child about using any or all of these items. Here’s my 3 Post-Christmas Internet Safety Gaming Quick Tips:
1. Make sure your game player knows to not give out personal information to fellow game players. This
is information such as their names, ages, address, school or phone numbers.
2. Check the game system instructions for information about privacy controls and parental restrictions that can protect children.
3. Encourage children to report inappropriate contact with strangers, especially sexually suggestive comments, attempts and such.
For Your Tween
Just because these items connect to the Internet does not mean you actually have to do it. Assess what comfort level you have with your child alone online. Assess their ability to understand the most basic online safety skills. If either of these have the slightest uncomfortable feeling to it, do not connect them to the Internet. Neither you nor your child are ready to take on the world of online strangers at this time.
For Your Teen
Teach them to be part of the solution. Teens understand the Internet and its connections to others, especially people they don’t know. Make sure your teen readily accepts the responsibility to online safety practices in exchange for the privilege of being online, no matter if they TEXT, FLIX or PIX. Empowering them with trust and respect for themselves and others will go a long way.
Its a big issue for parents. Its a big issue for us.
We’re parents, too. The Internet is something that is very powerful. Its a lot of fun for kids of all ages. Not only are there games, but also news and information in real time, from anywhere around the world.
The Internet can also be dangerous. You’ve heard all the stories. A little education and knowledge will help both you, your child and your family be safer as they play online. The Internet is a place where kids that go snooping around alone and ignorant of safety can get into real trouble. This is why it is very important for you to teach your kids about the wonders and dangers of the Internet.
Talk with them about the whole thing, the big picture, in terms that are appropriate for their age. By teaching your kids to keep themselves safe on the internet, you are ensuring not only their safety, but the whole family’s safety as well. Any information a child shares over the Internet is public and accessible by anyone at anytime.
Teach your kids never to share any personal information with anyone online. These are things like:
-full name
-address, city and state
-a phone number
-where they go to school
-their passwords
Criminals online piece together bits of private information in order to help them track potential victims down. Of your information is not shared, you can stay away from being even a “potential” victim. Passwords should always be kept private as well, even to close friends. Knowing your password make it much easier for perpetrators to get what they want without the risk of getting caught. Your close friends run the risk of slipping when not paying attention, so keep them only to yourself.
Make these five short “Privacy Rules” just that, a rule anyone at home follows that wants to play on the web. And again, talk with everyone as to WHY these rules can keep them safer online, today!
Comments are off for this article 
