Internet Safety
from the
Internet Safety Workshop for Parents
October 23, 2007
Even the most computer savvy parents might need an education about online trends among youth. Technology is changing and your kids might know more than you do about computers and the internet. But that doesn't mean you give up your parental rights on this issue.
LYSB encourages all families to adopt a Family Internet Plan. Basic safety rules should be discussed as a family and consequences set. Families should revisit plans every year to update the agreement because rules for a 9th grader and a 4th grader are very different.
LYSB has received several inquiries recently about children on the internet, and specifically the use of social networking sites such as MySpace.com, xanga, and Facebook.com. MySpace and Facebook are popular sites among teens in our community. Parents need to know how these sites work and about the potential dangers.
On MySpace, users create a profile that includes personal information. The problem is that many kids post identifying information (full name, address, location, photos, age, school, etc.) Also very disturbing to us is the sexually provocative nature of photos and language used by the kids. While most of the users are girls talking to the same 6 to 8 friends, these sites encourage kids to have a large number of "friends". That means strangers.
AIM & Instant Messaging
If your child has a screen name, chances are they like to send Instant Messages (IMs) to friends. Did you know that AIM screen names have a profile or "buddy info"? Just like the MySpace profiles, the AIM profiles can be used inappropriately.
What should parents do?
Does your child have a page on one of these sites? Ask your child if they have one. Ask them to show you the site and TOGETHER review the content. If you find inappropriate information, do not overreact. This problem needs to be solved together. Ask your kids to show you how the website works. Together decide if your child's page should be removed or edited. Remove any photos and identifying information. Take note of how many "friends" your child has on their site.
Does your child IM? Then, ask your child to show you their Buddy List. Do you know everyone on it? Ask your child to show you their AIM profile. Remember, don't overreact to upsetting information. Most kids have no idea they are giving away too much information. This is a learning process for everyone.
If you’re not sure that your child is being honest with you, you can search for their profiles on these sites. On MySpace.com click on "search." The Search page offers several options to search by using an e-mail address, name, or by school. You might find one of their friend's pages first and can see postings and connections to other users.
Here are some tips:
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Kids may feel that you invaded their privacy if you snoop. Be prepared for that reaction. |
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EXPLAIN to your children than when they're online, they are in PUBLIC. Anyone can find them. If you found their page, then so could neighbors, friends, AND strangers. |
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NEVER allow a computer in a child's room. Keep computers in family areas of the house. This can't be stressed enough. |
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NEVER post identifying information. |
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NEVER talk to strangers - in public - or online. There is no way to know if strangers are really who they claim to be. |
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DO NOT allow your child to register for any site that requires a password, unless they get permission from you first. Set up a "family password" that you both can use to log onto sites. No secret passwords allowed. |
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NEVER agree to meet someone you have met online. |
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When your kids are online, frequently (and casually) ask them what they're doing, who they're talking to. |
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LIMIT the amount of time kids can spend online. |
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NO Internet use when kids are home alone. |
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Encourage your child to come to you if they run into a problem or uncomfortable situation online. |
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Keep the conversation going. This is not a one-time conversation. |
IMPORTANT LINKS
Internet Safety information for families: www.wiredsafety.org
Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools Internet Safety page http://www.region18.org/internet_safety
Do you know what all those acronyms mean? LOL (laugh out loud) POS (parent over shoulder). For an acronym translator visit www.teenangels.org
FBI's A Parents Guide To Internet Safety
If you would like more information, please call our Director at 434-7208 or email lymesyouthbureau@sbcglobal.net.
Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
PO Box 589 ~ 59 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT 06371
860-434-7208