As the availability of technology continues to expand and the outdoor activity level of teens decreases, the internet has become a second life for teenagers. As the social media interactions continue to develop, teens are at an increased risk of falling victim to online dangers. This is especially true if teens are left to surf the web without adult supervision, such as during the winter snow storms.
With social networking continuing to evolve, teens are at a high risk of becoming victims of cyber bullying. In a shocking study, 37 percent of teens admitted to using social networking sites to victimize and harass their peers. Of this 37 percents, only 18 percent of parents actually believed their teens were capable of such behavior. For this reason it’s vital to properly educate your teens about proper online safety.
Stay Safe: Stay Anonymous!
The best online teen safety tip to educate your teens with is to stay anonymous while using social networking sites. Teens should never use their real names, family names, and especially their address when involved with networking sites like Facebook and Myspace. Teens shouldn’t provide any personal information about themselves, such as phone numbers, social security numbers, and personal photos. Staying anonymous online’s the best way for teens to stay safe.
Stay Safe: Be Smart!
Teen online safety also includes being internet smart. Teens need to be aware that always trusting their instincts about a person, site, or action is best. Teens should never take part in responding to inappropriate comments or actions. It they don’t feel comfortable with a person that’s contacting them, they need to trust that instinct. Internet smarts includes the use of common sense and trusting their gut.
Most importunately of all, your teens need to know the internet is a privilege not a right. If they break your trust or break the rules that privilege will be taken away. You need to exert your authority and let them know who’s in control of the computer. Make sure your teens provide you with their usernames and passwords so you can stay in the loop.
For more information for online teen safety, visit the Federal Trade Commission.
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