Social Networking And Kids. Safety For Tweens And Teens

Social Networking And Kids. Safety For Tweens And Teens

Should parents be worried about kids who keep blogs and profiles on social networking sites? If so, what are the legitimate things to think about?

In most cases, kids are perfectly safe maintaining a profile on a social network. Parents shouldn’t worry so much as take the time to talk with kids about how they’re using their profile on these social networks. Ideally, parents should review kids’ profiles for inappropriate information or material.

Does material a child posts to a blog or social network stay on the Internet forever? If so, what can parents do about it?

Anything that’s posted online can be copied, stored, forwarded, saved and in some cases, revealed by search engines even if it has been deleted. There is even a Web site called Archive.org whose “Waybackmachine” stores old Web pages. The bottom line is that once something goes online, it’s out there to be copied and forwarded, and in some cases, it might be impossible to take back.

What are signals parents should watch out for?

Parents should be alert to kids who are very secretive about their Internet use or who tend to be obsessive about late nights online. Also, socially withdrawn kids, without many friends, can tend to be vulnerable if parents find they’re retreating into the Internet, rather than using it as a tool to make outside friends.

I recommend that families hook up the computer in a common area of the house, so that Internet use becomes a public activity.

When should parents consider software-filtering tools to block unsavory Web sites?

Parents with young children may want to consider using filtering tools so that kids don’t run into suggestive material online. But filtering tools could cause kids older than 14 years old to rebel or look for Internet freedoms elsewhere. If you try to repress expression, then you will drive it underground.

What are the upsides to social networks?

Using the Internet and social networks can have an enormous positive impact on self-esteem for kids. The activity can help kids express themselves through creativity, and help them hone social skills or professional skills for the future. Social networks will help foster more lifelong friendships, given that kids from grade and high school can keep in touch more easily via instant chat and other technologies.

A great resource for getting your child involved in online networking is a website called Scallyroo.com . This innovative site is geared for Teens and Tweens and allows parents to monitor their actions on the site, while also providing parents the tools to better communicate with them in an online world.

Many schools and institutions are beginning to adopt the Scallyroo platform as learning tool, both inside and outside of the classroom. This is a great parenting tool, and gives parents the control over their child’s site experience.

Definitely check the site out to learn more about how you can keep your child safe online.

To learn more about Internet Safety and the basics behind Scallyroo, please click here