ReputationDefender and iKeepSafe.org

The Internet has become a major concern for parents with kids and teens surfing online. Keeping our kids and teens safe is always a priority for parents.

With the ever expanding Internet, it is getting more difficult to keep up with the latest trends online; who is posting what, and where your child’s name and private information ending up.

As a Parent Advocate, I have always recommended parents keep an open line of communication with their teens, which I know can be a challenge. Take an interest in their virtual travels and virtual friends.

I was excited to learn that The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) partnered with iKeepSafe to provide Project PRO resources to help students nationwide understand the importance of security and online reputation. The privacy and online reputation resources will:

• Help educators coach youth on protecting and managing their digital reputation,
• Motivate parents to communicate with their child about the potential impact of their digital reputation and utilize the latest technology available to observe and monitor their child's online activities and postings, and
• Share the stories of teens whose school or employment opportunities were affected either positively or negatively by their online reputation.

Reputation Defender, an online reputation management service, works closely with iKeepSafe.org to  provide valuable resources to help maintain a positive online image (reputation), as well as protecting you and your children's privacy. Download ReputationDefender’s guide  to keeping your kids safe online today.

Both Reputation Defender and iKeepSafe.org  have 3 key tips:

1. Keep Current with Technology: Talk to teachers about what forms of Internet safety tools they implement in computer labs and technology classes, consider these safety tools for home use, and stay up-to-date on the capabilities of any mobile devices your child may have.

2. Keep Communicating with Your Kids: Find out who your child talks to online, educate your kids about the permanence of any “digital footprints” they leave behind, limit the use of social networks, and make it a habit to engage your kids in critical conversation—the more you talk to your kids about their online usage, the more they will learn to use digital products in a safe and healthy manner.

3. Keep Checking Your Kid’s Internet Activity: Keep computers in a central public location, check your child’s browsing histories, and limit your child’s computer time—there’s a whole world of outdoor and offline activities where they should be involved!

Remember back to school also means more Internet time, be an educated parent. Learn how to maintain, protect and guide your kids and teens through cyberspace.
 

For more info: ReputationDefender, Reputation Defender Blog,  iKeepSafe, Teen Internet Addiction, Parents' Universal Resource Experts.