The Danger of Social Networking

A friend recently disclosed her shock horror when after her son's car was broken into, one of his friends had threatened to do this weeks prior and posted it on her son's Facebook page. In this instance, my friend approached the parents of the adolescent before contacting the police and they immediately addressed the problem. However, criminal charges could have just as easily been pursued and the police involved.

It seems kids think their statements will be viewed as jokes - but the consequences can be unintentionally catastrophic or criminal. As one parent said "my main concern about Facebook used to be from a cyberthreats, cyberbullying, cyberstalking or sexual harrassment perspective. For example, children can be perpetrators (again, maybe not understanding the implications of their own statements) or targets. However, today I'm concerned about the criminal aspect"..

The truth is that you cannot control all of your child's computer behavior. Even if you think you know what is going on at home, what about computers your child uses at school, friends' homes, and the library? Now is the time to refine and emphasize the values with which you have raised your children and teach your children what you can tolerate online reflects your attitudes toward the world at large. As a parent, be involved and keep the communication open so you have a chance to guide your child's use of social networks.

Tips to teach your children.

1. Nothing is private on the internet, a statement or photograph placed online may be impossible to remove. Ask how they would feel if the statement were published in a newspaper.



2. Don't make angry statements online. The child must think of how his actions will make someone feel; the person may feel sad or angry enough to try to hurt him.



3. Reputation. Before posting inappropriate language or pictures, children should think about what their parents, teachers, police, college admissions officers, and even future employers would think if they read the posting.

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