Online SafetySocial Networks or online Communities have become an integral part of the lives of many young people today. These are like an online diary. Young people create profiles with personal information and pictures, then form online networks of friends.
Younger teenagers tend to be vulnerable with these sites, as they don't realise the extent or the permanence to which they are exposing themselves. Once personal information or photos are posted on the net, they're there forever. Young teenagers believe the world they've created will only be viewed by their friends, but many adults visit these sites. As a parent, the best thing you can do is educate yourself about the dangers your children might face online.
The Bebo Safety page uses short video clips to help educate young people about the safe and positive use of social networking sites. Highly recommended viewing!
Other social networking safety sites include:
There are some real dangers involved, as there are in off-line aspects of a young person’s life. But rather than attempting to deny access and participation in this form of online socializing, using some common sense, open, calm dialogue, and simple guidelines, participation in an online community can be a safe and enriching experience for your teenagers.
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