For more information visit http://www.netsmartz.org/
For young children:
- Teach them to watch for pop-ups: teach them not to click on everything that pops up.
- Teach them to tell you if they encounter something inappropriate.
- Teach them not to trust people online
- Teach them never to give out their name and address or password while online.
- Consider installing a filter app on ipod touch or tablets: K9, Mobicip, or many others.
The dangers are sexting, cyberbullying, online predators, posting personal information, and viewing inappropriate content.
She warned that any student, even only someone involved in RECEIVING a sexting photo from another student is in possession of child pornography and could be charged.
Parents should be aware that some students have more than one identity in social media sites - one with the tame things that they share with parents, and one with the real posts for their friends.
- Parents should establish boundaries - Example: all phones and tablets must be kept in the parent bedroom at bedtime.
- Know you kid's online friends. Go through the list with them and unfriend/unfollow any strangers. Talk to them about what their friends have posted and whether it is appropriate.
- Call the police if you notice inappropriate messages from a stranger
- What's posted is permanent. Students may think snapchat is temporary but anyone could take a screen shot and share a photo.
- Parents should use Google to learn about apps like Yik Yak, Ask FM
- Be especially careful with gaming sites that have an interactive component with other players.
- Never share personal infomormation - address, birthdate, school schedule, phone number