|
Social Networking: Keeping It Fun and Safe
Social networking sites have become the best "meet market" around, especially among tweens, teens and 20-somethings. Sharing photos, exchanging music, instant messaging, writing blogs-all have become popular ways to increase one's circle of friends, but can also increase exposure to those with less-than-friendly intentions. Here are some tips to help your kids socialize safely online.
- Place the computer in an open area so you can keep an eye on online activity.
- Tell your kids which information should not be shared, such as finacial information, personal identification, or ways to contact them offline.
- Make sure their screen names don't say too much about them.
- Use privacy settings to restrict who can access and post on your child's website.
- Advise your kids to post only information that they are comfortable with others seeing, like teachers, school administrators, college admissions personnel.
- Remind them that once they post information online, they can't take it back.
- Warn them about the dangers of flirting with strangers online.
- Tell your children to trust their gut if they have suspicions.
- Search the blog sites your kids visit if you're concerned that they're engaging in risky online behavior.
- Check the website's privacy policy.
To learn more about staying safe online.
Teens and Social Networks: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Teens are some of the most avid social networkers, frequenting sites like MySpace and Facebook. But how are they managing their online identities and personal information? Are they sharing information that could harm them? A recent report by Pew Internet and American Life Project examines how teens share information on online social networks, what they choose to share, and how they assess their vulnerability.
Read the complete study: Teens, Privacy & Online Social Networks
Got Feedback?
We would like to hear what you think
of the TRUSTe Watchdog. Send an email
with your comments and suggestions to
newsletter@truste.org.
TRUSTe is an independent, nonprofit
organization that administers the Internet's
first and largest privacy seal program.
685 Market Street, Suite 270
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 618-3400
Email: privacyseals@truste.org
Web: www.truste.org
The views and opinions expressed in
this newsletter are those of the contributing
authors. TRUSTe presents these views
as a service to consumers, and does
not necessarily share or endorse these
views.
|
|
|
Social networking
is using websites that allow users to build online profiles, share
information like photographs, blogs and music, and generally connect with other users, whether it be to find friends or a job.
For the definitions of other privacy terms, visit our definitions page.
|
|
|
WiredSafety.org Addresses Parental Concerns
What do you do if you find out your child is using or is a member of a social networking site? What is that site doing in order to protect their users, especially teens?
WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety, education, and help group addresses concerns and answers questions parents are having regarding their children and the use of social networking sites.
|
|
|
Reporting Cyberabuse
Encourage your kids to tell you if they feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online. Then report it to the police and the social networking site.
If you have questions or concerns about how to get in touch with a specific social networking website, contact WiredSafety.org.
If a website is violating COPPA, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
|
|
|
|
