february 2018
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SAFE LOVING ENVIRONMENT
february 2018
way that made them feel scared or uncomfortable .
• 30 % of teens say they ’ ve received online advertising that was inappropriate for their age .
• 39 % of teens admitted to lying about their age to gain access to websites .
Concerns and consequences In addition to problems like cyberbullying and online predators , kids also can face the possibility of a physical encounter with the wrong person . Many newer apps automatically reveal the poster ’ s location when they ’ re used . This can tell anyone out there exactly where to find the person using the app .
And photos , videos , and comments made online usually can ’ t be taken back once they ’ re posted . Even after a teen thinks something has been deleted , it can be impossible to completely erase it from the Internet .
Posting an inappropriate photo can damage a kid ’ s reputation in ways that may cause problems years later – such as when a potential employer or college admissions officer does a background check . And if a kid sends a mean-spirited tweet as a joke , it could be very hurtful to someone else and even taken as a threat . Spending too much time on social media can be a downer , too . By seeing how many “ friends ” others have and viewing pictures of them having fun , kids may feel worse about themselves or feel they don ’ t measure up to their peers .
What parents can do It ’ s important to be aware of what your kids are doing online , but prying too much can alienate them and damage the trust you ’ ve built together . The key is to stay involved in a way that makes your kids understand that you respect their privacy but want to make sure they ’ re safe . Here are some helpful hints to share with connected kids :
• Be nice . Mean behaviour is just as unacceptable in the virtual world as it is in the real world . Make it clear that you expect your kids to treat others with respect and courtesy , and to never post hurtful or embarrassing messages about others . And ask them to always tell you about any harassing or bullying messages that others may post .
• Think twice before hitting “ enter .” Remind teens that what they post can be used against them . For example , letting the world know that you ’ re off on vacation or posting your home address gives would-be robbers a chance to strike . Teens also should avoid posting specific locations of parties or events , as well as phone numbers .
• Follow the “ WWGS ?” ( What Would Grandma Say ?) rule . Teach kids that “ once it ’ s out there , you can ’ t get it back .” They shouldn ’ t share anything on social media that they wouldn ’ t want their teachers , college admissions officers , future bosses – and yes , grandma – to see .
• Use privacy settings . Privacy settings are important , and to highlight their
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importance , go through the settings together to make sure your kids understand each one . Also , explain that passwords are there to protect them against things like identity theft and should never be shared with anyone ( even a boyfriend , girlfriend , or best friend ).
• Don ’ t “ friend ” strangers . “ If you don ’ t know them , don ’ t friend them .” This is a plain , simple – and safe – rule of thumb .
Make it official So , how can you drive these messages home ? One way is to make a “ social media agreement ” with your kids – a real contract they can sign . In it , they can agree to protect their own privacy , consider their reputation , and not give out personal information . Furthermore , they promise to never use technology to hurt anyone else ( through bullying or gossip ).
In turn , parents agree to respect teens ’ privacy while making an effort to be part of the social media world ( this means you can “ friend ” and observe them , but don ’ t post embarrassing comments or rants about messy rooms ).
Parents also can help keep kids grounded in the real world by putting limits on media use . Keep computers in public areas in the house , avoid laptops and smartphones in bedrooms , and set some rules on the use of technology ( such as no cellphones at the dinner table ).
And don ’ t forget : Setting a good example through your own virtual behavior can go a long way toward helping your kids use social media safely .
Source : www . kidshealth . org
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