Some sites offer the option to post your full name, birthday, age, and phone number. Let children know that these little bits of their personal information should definitely be off limits. Many parents have had the online safety chat with their children and many of those children have taken this information to heart. While your child may already be aware of this, they may inadvertantly be giving up too much anyway. Here is an example:
The Post: "Hey, u goin to the library today?" "Yep, Which one, Main Library?" "Yep, moms droppin me off at 3"
The Problem: While it's good that tey are going to the library, they just told every creep interested that they will be alone outside the library in between two of the busiest streets in Memphis.
The Post: "Hppy Bday Alex, ur finally 13"
The Problem: Since this was posted on their birthday, and mentions their age, they just gave out their birthday complete with month day and year.
While this may seem innocuous to them, they need to be aware that there are those out in the cyber world that would love nothing more than to exploit this and other personal information for their own gain. Besides some creep getting their information, identity theft is a real concern even for children and teens.
Let your children know that if they absolutely have to pass along specific personal information to one of their friends; do so using direct communication. A better alternative would be to send the an instant message or even an email. The point is not to make you and your children paranoid, just to take simple precautions.
*According to the (http://www.ftc.gov/sentinel/reports/idt-annualoverall-figures/idt-cy2006.pdf ) Federal Trade Commission, the hardest hit group of victims includes teenagers.
Good luck and stay informed.
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