Safety Online
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Once it’s online it may be out there forever
This episode of The Safety Factor is for anyone who uses Facebook, myspace, Twitter, or even e-mail but doesn’t consider the pro’s or con’s. It is also meant for parents who mistakenly believe that these sites and the internet are completely harmless tools.
For those of us who enjoy networking through email, Facebook, Myspace or Twitter, the average communication is just friendly fun. But when messages and pictures become rude and offensive these sites can be harmful to you, your children and your friends.
Anything you post, even briefly, can be saved on someone else’s computer and shared with anyone, even months later.
Consider who’s seeing the messages you’re sending; would you want everyone at school to see that sexy picture of you, or your boss to read your comments on the company?
Online bullying can start with an innocent picture or comment, so be proactive monitoring your children’s pages
Keep an eye on your site, and your children’s site. Are they telling a friend to meet them at their house, posting your home phone number or address? Do they personally know the friend receiving their messages? By sharing personal information like your address, they could be inviting harm to your whole family. Imagine someone you don’t know at your doorstep or on your phone. Would you or your children know how to respond? It’s important for parents to monitor their children’s internet activity; recognize warning signs when you first see them, tell them why it’s dangerous to post anything personal or inappropriate, and don’t be afraid to shut down the page to protect them.
