Info 101 -Why teens are at risk for cyber stalking and cyber bullying

July 17, 7:32 AMLA Parenting Teens ExaminerEvelyn Block

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Teens, who spend a great deal of time on the Internet, are even more vulnerable to cyber stalking and cyber bullying than adults. Freer of inhibitions, and less knowledgeable about the risks involved, teens are more likely than adults to reveal private information on line. As adults, we are more aware of identity theft crimes and safety issues involved with Internet use. Teens, on the other hand, are living in and for the moment. They think nothing of revealing their most intimate feelings, desires, likes and dislikes, or of posting revealing photographs for all to see.

Teens’ relationships are frequently changing, best friends one minute, enemies the next, and the nature of these changing relationships and social pressure makes teens susceptible for cyber stalking and cyber bullying. When friends who’ve shared personal texts, photos and intimate details are no longer friends, the risk of cyber stalking and cyber bullying increases.

According to Alexis A. Moore, Crime Victim Advocate and expert in cyber stalking, teens’ behavior on the Internet runs the risk of putting every member of the family in danger. If a teen is exposing private information with a third party, there’s no way to be certain that the information isn’t being shared with convicted felons, stalkers, or pedophiles who frequently monitor teen chat rooms prowling for easy prey.

As a parent, you need to be involved in an open dialogue with your teen.  It is a better idea to teach your teen about the risks of cyber bullying and cyber stalking than it is to have to resort to electronically monitoring your teen’s behavior. Make sure your teen knows not to ever reveal your home address or any personal information such as social security number or credit card number to anyone. Assure your teen that you are there to help and if they have any concerns about something suspicious, they need to share those concerns with you. Remind your teen to be creative in creating passwords, and if necessary, to change those passwords frequently. As a last resort, you can use parental control software, Internet monitoring software or a teen chat decoder.  If your teen understands the risks and is able to demonstrate appropriate netiquette, your teen's privacy should be respected.