Teaching Your Teen Three Simple Steps to Increase Safety
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DON ’ T GIVE OPTIONAL INFORMATION . When creating a profile , you do not need to enter all of the information that is requested . The set-up page usually requires you to fill out basic information , such as your name and email . Everything else is optional . Do not feel obligated to put your address and telephone number .
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THIRD LEVEL OF PRIVACY . There are three levels of privacy settings to choose from for your profile . There is “ open to everyone ,” “ open to friends of friends ” and “ friends only .” The best setting ,“ friends only ,” is the strictest level of security ; it only allows people that you have accepted as a friend to view information about you .
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ACCEPT ONLY PEOPLE YOU KNOW . Doing this can protect you from spammers , pedophiles , and other people who use social networking sites to commit crimes .
When discussing social networking safety with your teen , encourage him or her to always use discretion when posting any type of photo , location status , or message . Tell your teen to ask these three questions before posting to the world :
“ Think Before You Post ”
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Should I share this ? Will the information I share put me or someone else in danger ?
Do people really need to know where I am and who I am with ?
Am I selecting friends online that I can trust , and can I trust their friends who have access ?
Having a discussion with your teen about social networking sites can ease some anxiety about your child ’ s safety . Social networking sites help us stay connected to family and friends . However , it ’ s important to make sure your child knows how to be safe while online . Encourage them to enjoy the sites but to be safe at all times .
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SAFETY VISIT WWW . NCPC . ORG
www . potentialmagazine . com Spring 2017 | 13