RomWell Internet Guide

Online Safety



Socializing Online

Kids share pictures, videos, thoughts, plans, and their whereabouts with friends, family, and sometimes, the world at large. Socializing online can help kids connect with others, but it’s important to help your child learn how to navigate these spaces safely.

Oversharing

Some pitfalls that come with online socializing are sharing too much information, or posting pictures, videos, or words that can damage a reputation or hurt someone’s feelings. Applying real-world judgment and sense can help minimize those downsides.


Remind your kids that online actions have consequences.

The words kids write and the images they post have consequences offline.

Kids should post only what they’re comfortable with others seeing.

Parts of your children’s profiles may be seen by a broader audience than you — or they — are comfortable with, even if they use privacy settings. Encourage your kids to think about the language they use online, and to think before posting pictures and videos, or altering photos posted by someone else. Employers, college admissions officers, coaches, teachers, and the police may view these posts.

Remind kids that once they post it, they can’t take it back.

Even if they delete the information from a site, they have little control over older versions that may be saved on other people’s devices and may circulate online. And a message that’s supposed to disappear from a friend’s phone? There’s software that lets them keep it.

Tell kids to limit what they share.

Help your kids understand what information should stay private.

Tell them why it’s important to keep some things — about themselves, family members, and friends — to themselves. Information like their Social Security number, street address, phone number, and family financial information is private and should stay that way.

Talk to your teens about avoiding sex talk online.

Teens who don’t talk about sex with strangers online are less likely to come in contact with predators. In fact, researchers have found that predators usually don’t pose as children or teens, and most teens who are contacted by adults they don’t know find it creepy. Teens should not hesitate to ignore or block them, and trust their gut when something feels wrong.

Send group messages with care.

Suggest that your kids think about who needs to see their message before sending to multiple people.

Limit access to your kids’ profiles.

Use privacy settings.

Many social networking sites, chat, and video accounts have adjustable privacy settings, so you and your kids can restrict who has access to kids’ profiles. Talk to your kids about the importance of these settings, and your expectations for who should be allowed to view their profile.

Review your child’s friends list.

Suggest that your kids limit online “friends” to people they actually know. Ask about who they’re talking to online.


Information Source: OnGuardOnline.gov/netcetera



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Did You Know?

The best way to protect your kids when they start using devices (computer, a cell phone, or any mobile device) or begin socializing online is talking to them. Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents.

It is better to start early. After all, even toddlers see their parents use all kinds of devices. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone, or any mobile device, it's time to talk to them about online behavior, safety, and security. As a parent, you have the opportunity to talk to your kid about what's important before anyone else does.

You don't have to wait! Initiate conversations. Even if your kids are comfortable approaching you, don't wait for them to start the conversation. Use everyday opportunities to talk to your kids about being online. For instance, a TV program featuring a teen online or using a cell phone can tee up a discussion about what to do — or not — in similar circumstances. And news stories about internet scams or cyberbullying can help you start a conversation about your kids’ experiences and your expectations. Find out more...