Rob Zidar, co-founder of ThirdParent, an Internet safety tool and early warning system, offers these tips for keeping children safe on the Internet.
- Communicate. Talk to your teens early and often about whom they're connecting with online, what sites or networks they're visiting and what they're posting. Right and wrong are just as real online as they are in the real world. Check those sites and apps out for yourself, or do a Google search, to get the general idea.
- Keep it age-appropriate. The age limit for most social networks is 13; parents should make sure preteens are adhering to it. All apps have recommended age restrictions. Parents should take a look at teens' phones and see what they're using to message and network. Anonymous networks like Ask.fm and 4chan are homes to a lot of cyberbullying, and inappropriate content should be avoided.
- Be aware of predator risk. Not everyone on the Internet is who they appear to be. By using privacy settings and only connecting with real-life friends, teens can steer clear of predators.
- Have a plan for cyberbullying. Counsel teens about the serious impact to others and punishment that can come from being a cyberbully. Work with your teen to have a plan if he or she is the victim of cyberbullying: how she should react and who will she turn to for help.
- Remember that online means permanent. Anything you post on the Internet, or that's posted about you, can be impossible to delete. Teens need to be very careful to not post questionable content, comments or photos.
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