Family and Child Online Safety Blog - SafetyClicks

Help Your Teen See Into the Future

Diana Pentecost — 2012-03-01T11:07:00+00:00

Filed under: Sharing Info Online, Social Networking

How do you convince today's self-possessed and confident teen, who has grown up with the Internet, that they don't know everything about technology? It is a monumental task, but one well worth taking on if you are concerned about how your teen is putting themselves out there in permanent cyber space.

Let's face it; most of us may never be in a position of knowing more about technology than those who grew up with the Internet and its devices intricately woven into their lives. However, as parents, we are in a position to impart life lessons such as good judgment, reason, empathy and most important, consequences. This position can be fleeting so the sooner you can start and the more consistently you communicate the most impact it can have.

When it comes to the Internet most teens, and for that matter most adults, may not fully comprehend the concept of permanence. Anything posted online will never truly be erased and can come back to haunt you down the road. Deleting an image or a comment is not an indication that someone hasn't already viewed or copied that image or comment. Being unable to erase a mistake can put the future of today's naive youth in jeopardy. That is particularly so when many colleges and prospective employers frequently research potential candidates on the Internet.

Find any opportunity to remind your teen that everything they post may have an unwanted consequence. Maybe not today, but at some point when it might matter to their future. It may be difficult for many teens to think in terms of their future when it comes to actions they want to take today. But even now, let them consider, is what they are about to post something they would be proud to have a grandparent see?

In 2007 The Ad Council in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children developed some very powerful public service announcements geared to helping teens understand the power of permanence on the Internet. View one of these still very relevant videos below with someone you think that can benefit from the message.

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Cyberbullying Endures as Part of Teen Culture

Diana Pentecost — 2012-02-23T11:55:00+00:00

Filed under: Cyberbullying, Social Networking

Cyberbullying, once considered a mere sub sect of the broader youth issue of "bullying," has now evolved into the primary method teens today choose to harass and torment each other. With the meteoric rise of social networks it has become easier and easier for teens to put out disparaging or hurtful comments to larger and larger audiences.

We learned from an early age that bullies can be abusive physically or emotionally, and that they often encourage peers to act the same way towards their intended victim. The social tools of the Internet that appeal most to teens (e.g., the ability to communicate to a lot of people at once, share pictures and videos easily, or pretend to be a different personality or identity) are the tools teens use to easily and effectively humiliate others. And the potential anonymity of it all can make it difficult for parents and teens to identify and report an online bully.

How has bullying evolved?

Before Internet(or "BI"): A bully was restricted by physical location and time. They had to be pretty much standing in front of their target to deliver their verbal or physical attack. This made identifying the attacker easy. And once the victim walked away, the bullying ended.

Now: A bully can be anyone, anywhere at anytime. The Internet never sleeps. And an insulting or abusive message, once put out there, can persist forever and be seen by countless people. Plus, the Internet can be so anonymous that it may never be possible to identify an attacker, making it very difficult to stop. Finally, the bullying can continue even when the victim is safe at home. The content of the abuse follows the victim wherever they go, and can leave the teen feeling helpless.

Tools & Methods of the Cyberbully

Cyberbullying can happen in many ways. These are just some examples:

-Sending mean text, e-mail, or instant messages
-Posting nasty pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites
-Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone
-Sending repeated notes
-Forwarding supposedly private messages, pictures or videos to others

Teach your kids how to deal with a cyberbully

Tips to avoid being a cyberbullying victim:

-Don't give out personal information like name, address, phone number, social security number, school or even the names of family and friends. Certainly don't give out your password.
-Don't exchange pictures or give out contact information (including email) to people you meet online.
-Don't send a message when you are angry or upset. Once you put something out on the Internet you can't take it back. EVER.
-Realize that anything you say or do online is never really private. If even one person can see or read it then it can be copied, saved or shared -- even if you try to remove it later.

Detecting cyberbullying and if your child is a victim:

Watch for signs that your child is being bullied online. Are they reluctant to use the computer or go to school?

-Depending on how your child is being bullied, report any incidents of harassment to your ISP or cell phone provider.
-Block the harassing email or IM via parental controls or privacy tools provided by your ISP.
-Do not reply to harassing messages.
-If bullying includes physical threats, report it to the police.

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February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month

Holly Hawkins — 2012-02-09T16:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Articles of Interest

Up until a few years ago, I'd never heard much about teen dating abuse and violence and wrongly assumed it was mainly limited to adult relationships. I just didn't realize how prevalent it was among our youth. But, it starts somewhere and that is often with young people who are entering into relationships for the very first time. They often mimic the behaviors they've seen growing up. And, because they're new to relationships, young people can misinterpret controlling as caring, and not understand the warning signals of abuse until it is out of control. To understand the severity of the problem, the CDC reports that one in ten high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. This statistic only reflects physical violence. If we include emotional and verbal abuse in teen dating relationships, the stat jumps to one in three teens.

Digital Dating Abuse

A rising trend in dating abuse is the use of technology to harass, threaten and control the dating partner from a distance - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through the use of technology such as cell phones, email, and social networking, the abuser can gain access into what once were safe havens for the abused partner - school, extra-curricular activities and home - to apply a relentless barrage of insults and/or demands that are not visible to parents or other adult caregivers. Digital dating abuse can include:

o. Checking the dating partner's cell phone for outgoing and incoming calls, texts and images.
o. Controlling the dating partner's friends on social networking sites.
o. Demanding or stealing the dating partner's account passwords to keep tabs on them.
o. Pressuring or demanding the dating partner share sexually explicit images and/or videos of themselves.
o. Constantly texting the dating partner to find out where they are and what they are doing (the abused partner often feels obligated to have their cell phones with them at all times so they can respond quickly for fear of being punished).
o. Insulting or threatening the dating partner through emails, texts, tweets, and even status updates.

Learning More & Getting Help

There are a number of sites that provide resources and help for those in abusive dating relationships or those who know someone that is:

Breakthecycle.org is the leading, national nonprofit organization addressing teen dating violence. Break the Cycle engages, educates and empowers youth to build lives and communities free from domestic and dating violence.

Loveisrespect.org is a collaboration between Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline. Love Is Respect's mission is to: create the ultimate resource fostering healthy dating attitudes and relationships, provide a safe space for young people to access information and help in an environment that is designed specifically for them, and ensure confidentiality and trust so young people feel safe and supported-online and off.

The National Dating Abuse Helpline is the direct service provider behind loveisrespect.org, operating the 24/7 phone, text and chat services. The Helpline offers real-time, one-on-one support from peer advocates who have been trained to offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned friends, parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement and service providers.

Loveisnotabuse.com is an online resource provided by Liz Claiborne Inc. to help end domestic violence. Love Is Not Abuse initiatives strive to address partner abuse at its root cause and therefore the company has begun a sustained effort to focus on teen dating abuse and violence. Liz Claiborne Inc. provides free resources to all members of society.

Thatsnotcool.com is a national public education campaign that uses digital examples of controlling, pressuring, and threatening behavior to raise awareness about and prevent teen dating abuse. That's Not Cool is sponsored and co-created by Futures Without Violence (formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund), the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women, and the Advertising Council.

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iKeepSafe & Safer Internet Day

Holly Hawkins — 2012-02-07T13:38:00+00:00

Filed under: Safety News

iKeepSafe celebrates Safer Internet Day by making available the revised 2012 edition of "A Parent's Guide to Facebook", written by ConnectSafely.org's Larry Magid and Anne Collier. The parent's guide has been updated to reflect the most recent features and policies of Facebook. It is designed to teach parents how to help their teens strengthen their privacy and safety on Facebook, the guide features important topics such as:

-How to parent Facebook users,
-Managing reputation in the digital age,
-Actual risks in social media
-Managing your privacy on Facebook,
-Reporting problems,
-And more.

The Parents Guide can be found at: http://www.ikeepsafe.org/parents/parents-guide-to-facebook/.

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SAFER INTERNET DAY 2012: Connecting Generations

Holly Hawkins — 2012-02-07T00:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Safety News

February 7th is Safer Internet Day - a time dedicated to promoting safe and responsible use of the Internet for children and young people. Originating in 2004, it is organized by Insafe and co-founded by the European Union as part of the Safer Internet Programme. Today, it has grown into a global safety celebration recognized in over 70 countries worldwide.

Safer Internet Day enters its 9th year with the theme "Connecting generations and educating each other", where users young and old are encouraged to "discover the digital world together...safely"! Never has it been more important for parents and other care givers to play a role in the lives of young people and their use of technology as it is today. Being online, or being connected, has become so intricately woven through the daily lives of our children that the distinction between online and offline is nil - we need to parent in that world.

'Parents' and Carers' Guide to the Internet'

In contributing to Safer Internet Day and to help get you started , the UK's Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre today launched the 'Parents' and Carers' Guide to the Internet' - a short, entertaining TV-style program looking at what it's like to bring up children in the online world. You can watch this program online to help you:

o. stay up-to-date with the technology your children are using;
o. understand steps you can take to keep your children safe online; and
o. know what action to take and where to seek further support if things go wrong.

Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents to watch the program and access information on how to keep your family safe online.

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Data Privacy Day 2012

Holly Hawkins — 2012-01-28T13:47:00+00:00

Filed under: Privacy

January 28th is Data Privacy Day - an internationally recognized time to raise awareness about privacy and privacy protections. Data Privacy Day first originated in Europe in 2007 and spread to the United States and Canada in 2008. It is now celebrated in over 40 countries around the globe!

As we live in an ever increasing digital world, it's important that we take time to understand how our personal information is collected and used as well as how we can take steps to protect that information. iKeepSafe has a list of steps consumers can take to protect their privacy when using electronic devices ranging from laptops, to smartphones, game consoles and e-readers. Take a moment to review the Simple Steps to Safer Devices to help protect your family's privacy.

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Simple Steps to Safer Devices

Holly Hawkins — 2012-01-27T14:38:00+00:00

Filed under: Privacy

By following some simple steps, consumers can protect their data privacy when using electronic devices.

Consumers of all ages are using more and more digital devices to do more than just check their email. Today, devices are used to do things such as: access the Internet, carry out banking transactions, social networking, and shopping. For children and adults alike, using these wonderful devices brings some unwanted risks.

Here is what consumers need to do to keep information secure on those devices:

Protecting a computer or laptop

Every computer and laptop needs:

- Strong security software. Any computer that is linked to the Internet will be infected if it isn't protected. Whether you use a Windows PC, or a Mac, all computers and laptops need security software. When Apple devices were a tiny minority of the total market, designing malware to attack them wasn't very lucrative, but those days are long gone; iUsers are now profitable targets.
- An active firewall. Computers come with firewalls (a set of programs located on your computer that protect it from being accessed by other computers). These firewalls are turned on by default, don't turn the firewall off!

Additional considerations if the computer/laptop is used by a minor:

- Consider the full range of functionality the computer or laptop offers. Are there features that should be turned off-like location tracking? Webcam chats? iKeepSafe recommends that computers used by minors should be secured with filters and parental controls such as K9 Web Protection or Norton Online Family. These provide a safer experience for youth and protect your machine from unwanted malware.
- iKeepSafe also recommends that parents maintain administrator control of computers, giving children a "limited access" account. This will prevent children and friends from inadvertently downloading malware and illegal content.
- Talk with your child. Make it clear what is and is not acceptable use of the device, including times of day the device is used, the ethical treatment of others, the types of downloads permitted, and so on.

Replacing or donating a computer or laptop
Remember to remove all your information from your hard drive. An old computer is likely to have stored a great deal of sensitive information including financial data, personal information, passwords, addresses and phone numbers, photos, medical information, and so on.

- Start by backing up any information you want to keep like files, music, photos, calendars, contacts, website locations, applications, account information, passwords, etc., to a form of storage like an external hard drive, a CD-ROM, a USB (flash) drive, or your new computer.
- Then, use a utility program that wipes all the information off a hard drive - there are several of these programs to choose from and they can be purchased in computer stores or online. You may want to run the utility several times in order to be sure that the information cannot be retrieved.
- When cleaned of your information, look for organizations or charities in your area that collect old computers, resell it online, or take it to a recycling center that knows how to separate the hazardous materials from the rest of the parts.

Protecting a wireless network
Don't forget to set it up according to the user manual; be sure to create a new username and a strong, unique password.

- It is also important to help consumers understand they need to be cautious when using public WiFi services as these may or may not be safe.

Protecting a smartphone
Cell phones were the number one item on tech wish-lists this holiday season. Unfortunately, the majority of smartphone users don't understand that these internet-enabled devices are prime targets for cybercriminals-in part because users remain so unprotected. Research shows 72 percent of smartphone users have no protection against malware on their devices, leaving data stored on these devices vulnerable.

It is estimated that 24 percent of users have passwords stored on their mobile devices. This is particularly concerning when nearly 32.5 million Americans now access their banking information through their smartphones . In addition to these risks, 113 mobile phones are lost every minute in the U.S. leaving personal information in the hands of whoever picks up the phone.[i]

- Create a unique password to prevent unauthorized access to devices.
- Install quality mobile security software. Sadly, some free security tools fail to protect users at all). To find the right product, look online for reviews and comparisons of security software for the type of device you're using. Set the software to automatically update.

Additional considerations if the smartphone is used by a minor:

- Know the device's security features, and what additional security, safety, or privacy add-ons may be available.
- Consider the full range of functionality the phone offers. Are there features that should be turned off-like location tracking? All of the major cell phone providers offer no-cost filtering and more robust parental controls for a small fee. These will provide a safer and more monitored experience for youth.
- Request that the sales clerk help you set up the phone with the appropriate safety and security features.
- Talk to your child. Make clear what is and is not acceptable use of the device, including times of day the device is used, the ethical treatment of others, the types of downloads permitted, and so on.

Protecting a game console
There's plenty of entertainment to be had from a game console. Keep in mind that all game consoles have the functionality to access the internet and connect users with new people. So, if the console will be used by minors, consider what additional precautions-if any-your child needs.

Additional considerations if the game console is used by a minor:

- Look at the console's security and safety features, and determine what additional security, safety, or privacy add-ons may be available.
- Consider the full range of functionality the console offers. Are there features that should be turned off-like location tracking or Webcam chats? Or services that should be turned on like family safety (also called parental control) tools to provide a safer and more monitored experience for youth?
- Talk to your child. Make it clear what is and is not acceptable use of the device, including the types of games that will be appropriate, times of day the console may be used, what requirements you have regarding the ethical treatment of others, the types of filters in place for any web surfing, and so on.

Protecting a tablet
Tablets are in high demand and it's no wonder; tablets open the door to literally thousands of apps, games, and tools, as well as millions of websites.

- Tablets can be protected from malware and adult content with free apps, like K9 Web Protection. Do your research to understand what security measures are in place. Tablets are often as capable as laptops and computers and face the same threats from malware.

Additional considerations if the tablet is for a minor:

- Many parents are caught off guard by the richness of tablet features like wireless internet connectivity, the ability to download thousands of applications which may-or may not-be suitable for your child, the 'always on' status of these devices, features like webcams that allow for video chats, and the ability to access any website-including any social networking site, and more.
- Consider the full range of functionality the tablet offers. Are there features that should be turned off-like location tracking and web chatting? Or are there services that should be added like family safety (also called parental control) tools to provide a safer and more monitored experience for youth?
- Talk to your child. Make it clear what is and is not acceptable use of the device, including times of day the device is used, the ethical treatment of others, the types of downloads permitted, and so on.
- It's worth noting that the iPad is the only tablet with built-in, easy-to-use safety settings, but all tablets can be enhanced with filtering and monitoring apps.

Protecting an e-reader
E-readers are fabulous items for bookworms (and future bookworms) of all ages. However, it is important to understand all of the device's features and determine whether the e-reader is appropriate for the user.

Additional considerations if the e-reader is for a minor:

- Know the device's security features, and determine what additional security, safety, or privacy add-ons may be available.
- Many parents are caught off guard by features like wireless internet connectivity, the ability to download more than just books-many e-readers can download games, apps, music, social networking sites and more. You may want to block or filter internet access for younger users. Parental control software such as K9 Web Protection or Norton Online Family will also help you manage times of day for access.
- Talk to your child. Make it clear what is and is not acceptable use of the device, including times of day the device is used, the ethical treatment of others, the types of downloads permitted, and so on.

Protecting a flash drive or other removable storage device

- Everyone can use a little extra storage, especially when portability is crucial. To keep the gift recipient safer, you may want to select a flash drive that has pre-installed security software.
- The proliferation of internet-enabled devices offers consumers convenient, quick ways to carry out daily activities. With a few steps, consumers can protect these devices and minimize the risk to their personal data stored and sent on these devices

i A new study conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and McAfee

Article provided by iKeepSafe

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The Fat Boy Chronicles now on DVD

Diana Pentecost — 2012-01-11T15:23:00+00:00

The Fat Boy Chronicles tells the story of Jimmy Winterpock, the subject of brutal high school bullying who overcomes the torment by finding the strength to focus on his goal to lose weight and win over the girl of his dreams. The story is based on the novel by Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan. The film brings real world issues that affect teenagers to an audience looking for answers.

In addition to the inspirational story for the whole family, The Fat Boy Chronicles is also an ideal occasion to discuss with your teen the topic of bullying. The film progresses in such wonderful teaching moments that parents will easily find opportunities to have enlightening conversations with their teen without seeming as if to lecture.

The newly released DVD is filled with special features including audio commentary with the director and authors of the novels, cast interviews and bullying prevention information from the International Bullying Prevention Association.

For more information on this film and DVD purchases, go to thefatboychronicles.com

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Concerns About Teen Sexting Overblown, According to New UNH Research

Holly Hawkins — 2011-12-05T16:18:00+00:00

Filed under: Sexting

Published: December 5, 2011. University of New Hampshire

DURHAM, N.H. - Two new studies from the University of New Hampshire Crimes against Children Research Center suggest that concerns about teen sexting may be overblown. One study found the percentage of youth who send nude pictures of themselves that would qualify as child pornography is very low. The other found that when teen sexting images do get to police, few youth are being arrested or treated like sex offenders.

The studies were carried out by researchers at the University of New Hampshire's Crimes against Children Research Center, and published online today by the journal "Pediatrics." The research is presented in the studies "Prevalence and Characteristics of Youth Sexting: A National Study" and "How Often Are Teens Arrested for Sexting? Data From a National Sample of Police Cases."

In the first study, UNH researchers surveyed 1,560 Internet users ages 10 through 17 about their experiences with sexting -- appearing in, creating, or receiving sexual images or videos via cell phone or the Internet. The study found that 2.5 percent of youth surveyed have participated in sexting in the past year, but only 1 percent involved images that potentially violate child pornography laws -- images that showed "naked breasts, genitals or bottoms."

"Lots of people may be hearing about these cases discovered by schools and parents, because they create a furor, but it still involves a very small minority of youth," said lead author Kimberly Mitchell, research assistant professor of psychology at the UNH Crimes against Children Research Center.

In the second study, researchers discovered that in most sexting cases investigated by the police, no juvenile arrest occurred. There was an arrest in 36 percent of the cases where there were aggravating activities by youth, such as using the images to blackmail or harass other youth. In cases without aggravating elements, the arrest rate was 18 percent.

The second study was based on a national sample of 675 sexting cases collected from a systematic survey of law enforcement agencies. The study also found that the very few teens who were subjected to sex offender registration had generally committed other serious offenses like extortion and forcible rape."Most law enforcement officials are handling these sexting cases in a thoughtful way and not treating teens like sex offenders and child pornographers," said lead author Janis Wolak, senior researcher at the UNH Crimes against Children Research Center.

In both studies, researchers found that sexual images of youth rarely were widely distributed online as many parents, youth, and law enforcement fear. In the teen survey, 90 percent of the youth said the images they created did not go beyond the intended recipient. Even in the cases where the images came to the attention of the police, two-thirds of the images stayed on cell phones and never circulated online.

To learn more, visit the center online at: http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/index.html.

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Facebook Places: Privacy Pitfalls and How to Control It

Dishu Maheshwari — 2011-11-23T13:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Internet Safety Tips, Sharing Info Online, Online Safety Tips, Social Networking, Technology

I am an avid Facebook user. I log into my account multiple times a day to update my status, comment on pictures, and read interesting tidbits on the Newsfeed. In short, I'm a fan of this social networking website and seldom have critiques for it-provided that it is utilized in a cautious manner. However, even I have severe doubts and heavy criticism regarding the Facebook Places feature. For those who haven't seen it or used it themselves, this is Facebook's new service that allows members to "check in" and pinpoint their exact current location. Some use it to publicize restaurants they have visited while others use it to state that they are at "Amanda's house."

Since its inception, this feature has caused much hype in IT magazines and online forums. Many ardently claim that this feature compromises privacy and endangers safety, while also presenting opportunities for stalking and other malicious activities. Also, friends can check into a certain location and broadcast who they are with, thus sacrificing the privacy of others. In contrast, other blogs state that while some may view it as privacy infringement, Facebook allows one to alter his or her privacy settings so that Places does not apply to them. It is a service for only those who wish to use it and Facebook works perfectly fine without it.

It is critical to explore this feature and make an informed decision before using it. To its credit, Facebook has implemented certain in built privacy settings for those who choose to avoid Places. First, this is an opt-in instead of an opt-out option. This means that Facebook users must manually choose to enable it; it is not a default setting. Secondly, even if friends have tagged you while "checking in," you can choose to reject the tag. This allows your friends to remain checked in and you to remain incognito simultaneously. The simplest way to disable this feature altogether is to uncheck a box in the privacy settings, under "Applications and Websites." This way, users don't have to worry about instantly untagging themselves.

Although Facebook Places does provide added entertainment and some convenience, it is a feature that must be used with complete awareness and prudence. As with all social networking websites, it is extremely important to steer clear of unsafe online behavior.

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Study Finds Sexting Linked to Psychological Distress

Holly Hawkins — 2011-11-03T16:22:00+00:00

Filed under: Articles of Interest

A 2010 survey of more than 23,000 students in 24 of the 26 high schools in Boston's MetroWest region found 25.1% of the students received a sext message, and 10.4% had sent, forwarded, or posted a sext message in the past 12 months. And, students who received or sent sext messages, or were sexting victims were more likely to report psychological distress.

Read the full story here.

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IWF Awareness Day 2011

Holly Hawkins — 2011-10-26T11:41:00+00:00

Filed under: Articles of Interest

AOL is a longtime member of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), an organization devoted to minimizing the availability of illegal online content, particularly child sexual abuse images. The IWF is a UK-based organization and is not well-known in the U.S., but their tremendous work in combating online child sexual abuse is realized worldwide.

The IWF was launched on December 1, 1996 as an independent self-regulating body funded by the European Union and member companies from the online industry. It serves as the UK reporting Hotline for images of child sexual abuse hosted anywhere in the world and UK-hosted extreme adult pornography and non-photographic images of child sexual abuse.

When child sexual abuse content is found and hosted within the UK, it is shared with the police and removed within hours. When it is hosted abroad, it is shared with a corresponding Hotline in the host country and with law enforcement.

The Internet Watch Foundation marks 15 years

To coincide with Awareness Day, the IWF is celebrating its 15th anniversary. There have been a number of milestones that mark both the growth and the progress of the organization since it first launched in 1996.

In 1996 the IWF had five funding members. Now they have more than 100.
They started out with just four staff and a UK focus. They now have 16 employees and a global influence tackling online child sexual abuse images.
The number of web addresses reported to the IWF has increased enormously. In their first year they had assessed 1,300 URLs. In 2010 they assessed more than 48,000.
In 2005 they received their 100,000th report to the Hotline.
A total of 87,000 child sexual abuse webpages have been removed in 15 years.

The IWF will only continue to grow and adapt as they work to combat child sexual abuse content on the Internet regardless of where it is hosted. They are committed to reducing the availability of such content which helps to prevent the revictimization of the children involved and to protect us, the general public, from coming across such horrific content. This is their priority.

To learn more about the IWF, see http://www.iwf.org.uk/.

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Finding Ways to Facebook: Students Outsmart School Bans

Dishu Maheshwari — 2011-09-19T13:26:00+00:00

Filed under: Social Networking, Technology, Safety News

Most parents worry about their children social networking via personal computers, smartphones, and iPod devices. Most schools also worry about children social networking during English, Biology, and History. As a result, many schools have banned Facebook and social networking websites on school computers. However, children have found multiple ways to sidestep this ban and access Facebook through the use of proxy servers.

Tech savvy students have found websites that contain step by step instructions to unblocking Facebook and MySpace on school computers. A few such websites include unblock.biz and proxypimp.com. Through the use of these websites, students can mystify teachers and parents alike.

Although school administrators and teachers cannot always ensure that students use school computers for educational purposes, parents can encourage them to do so. Talk to your middle schooler and designate limits on computer usage at home, under parental supervision. Some schools have also taken the initiative to educate students about social networking safely, instead of placing bans and blocks.

Social networking is a concerning issue for many parents. Ease your concerns by educating your child regularly about cyber safety.

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Odd Girl Out

Dishu Maheshwari — 2011-08-31T17:32:00+00:00

Filed under: Social Networking

NPR recently featured Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls. Simmons' book explores the relationship between teenage girls and social media, including online networking and cell phone usage. Although I have not personally read the book yet, I listened to her interview on All Things Considered.Simmons discussed why cyberbullying is becoming rampant and how teenagers, specifically girls, are affected by it.

Simmons mentions that one of the biggest threats posed by cyberbullying is that it follows your daughter home, exists in school, and is a constant part of her social life. She cannot just come home and shut the door on it; it resides within her cell phone and her computer. According to Simmons, teenage girls often lack the communication skills necessary for conflict resolution; it is much easier for them to text their anger.

Some tips Simmons offers for parents include not letting your teens sleep with cell phones next to their beds or under their pillows. Additionally, set an example by not constantly using your cell phone and engaging in other activities with your daughter. Teens frequently learn from example, with parents being their greatest influence.

NPR offers further coverage of the interview here, including more tips and precautions for your teenager. Social media makes it easier to make and keep friends, but it also comes with drawbacks. Encourage your teen to protect her privacy online and to be aware of the dangers of social networking.

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The World Wide Web Turned 20!

Holly Hawkins — 2011-08-12T12:26:00+00:00

The Web is now 20 years old. And, being in the Internet industry for the last 19 of those 20 years, I've seen a number of incredible advances in both technology and usage. As a professional who focuses on child safety, I realize that a number of those advances have had a significant impact on our approach to Internet safety.

Here are a few of the most recent, and profound:
- The Internet is now portable. The computer is no longer in a central place in the house.
- The Web has fundamentally shifted from a platform of information consumption where a very few controlled the content to a platform of content production in which everyone can contribute.
- Social media has tapped into our desire to share our lives. And, devices with built-in cameras and video recorders have given us the ability to do so at any point in time.

Long gone are the days of walled gardens where content and communication could be easily controlled and "bad guys" simply kicked out. The effectiveness of traditional parental controls based on permit/deny lists has diminished in the face of the social media frenzy. And, safety tips suggesting not talking to strangers or sharing personal information have been cast aside as the web is all about friending and sharing.

The Web has aged and with that, protecting kids online has grown more complex. There is no single tool that we can point to or simple guidance we can bestow. Instead, keeping kids safe online is a combination of factors - rules, tools, education and communication. It really takes a collaborative effort between parent and child.

Parents must now manage their children's online activities across multiple platforms - gaming consoles and devices, cellphones, tablets and more - using the parental control technologies built-in to each. Parents must set rules and continuously educate themselves and their children to both the risks and protections of the sites and services their children use. Lastly, parents must keep talking to their children about what they are doing on the Web, what they like about it and what they don't. This is a great way to identify and address potential problems before they escalate.

There is no silver bullet. As technology evolves, we must remain diligent in protecting our children. Twenty years from now, I can only imagine looking back and remembering the easy days of social media and devices.

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Redefine privacy? Really?

Holly Hawkins — 2011-08-08T09:00:00+00:00

I have read numerous articles suggesting that Facebook along with other social networking sites are redefining privacy. If we are suggesting redefining privacy, perhaps we are using the wrong term altogether. How can one be private on a platform made for sharing? It's the expectation of privacy on a public platform that's causing the problem. Read the entire article at: iKeepSafe's Safe Keeping Blog.

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Getting to Know Google Plus

Dishu Maheshwari — 2011-08-05T10:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Social Networking

Many 21^st century parents choose to protect their children from social networking perils by creating their own accounts and monitoring their child's usage. Due to this, many moms and dads have Facebook and MySpace accounts and remain updated regarding new safety features and settings. It enables them to experience this revolutionary technology firsthand while also ensuring their child's safety. If you are one such mom or dad, you may have heard a buzz about Google+. Although some mystery still surrounds this new social networking website, it is ultimately another creative competitor for Facebook. Google+, however, is gaining popularity at an exponential pace and is likely to become the social phenomenon for your teen.

Most social networkers are familiar with the format of Facebook and MySpace, but Google+ has a brand new look with entirely new features. Since its member base is increasing day by day, it is necessary for parents to familiarize themselves with the interface. The most distinguishing thing about Google+ is its registration process. Currently users cannot open an account unless they have been invited. This invitation must come from a registered member and a new account can only be created upon acceptance. This is beneficial in that your teen will probably only get invites from one of her friends, not from strangers who wish to add her online.

The layout of Google+ is centered on five main features: circles, hangouts, instant upload, sparks and huddle. Circles is essentially a creative way to set up privacy settings, the user can choose to place different people in different circles and share specific information with each. If the user wants to share Christmas photographs with Grandma and party pictures with friends, he or she can do so conveniently. Hangouts let specific people, or entire circles, know that you are "hanging out" and are free to chat-face to face or through messaging. Instant upload allows pictures and videos to be shared directly from your phone to avoid the traditionally lengthy process of uploading. Sparks is, in my opinion, the most innovative feature of all. Once a user tells sparks what he or she is interested in, whether it be fashion or sports or music, the feature provides them with articles or videos that pertain to their hobbies. The last feature offered, Huddle, is particularly applicable to social butterflies. This feature enables you to enter group chat via Google+ on your phone, making it significantly easier to make plans with a large group.

If you wish to learn more about Google+ and its features, the interactive tutorial offered by Google is highly informative. It's critical to keep up with technology, especially those that your teens are using. As Google+ becomes the next big thing, keep your teen safe and informed about its use.

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Social Networking Made Age Appropriate

Dishu Maheshwari — 2011-08-01T10:21:00+00:00

Filed under: Social Networking

Most American parents display an average amount of knowledge regarding social networking, especially when it comes to what is actually available for their children. Facebook and MySpace have become household terms making it easier to overlook other forms of social networking that are tailored toward a younger demographic. Facebook, the largest social networking website, does not allow accounts for children under the age of 13. However, today's tech savvy preteens know technological loopholes like they know Hannah Montana. They can conveniently alter birthdays and age information to register for Facebook and thwart the safety features provided.

Explaining the perils of social networking to a preteen can be arduous and often unfruitful. It can also be useless to forbid preteens from social networking while all of their friends utilize Facebook via mobile phones or personal computers. Fortunately, there is a happy medium. Instead of using mainstream websites which generally cater to 13 plus audiences, NPR has compiled a list of Top Ten Social Networking Sites for Kids.

These websites offer top notch safety features to satisfy parents but they also successfully incorporate the varied interests of tweens. Some of these websites offer games and "hangout" opportunities, while others serve as forums for upcoming fashionistas and music gurus. There are several available websites such as GirlSense and Sweetyhigh that are restricted to all-girl membership. Others, such as WhatsWhat.me offer social networking for children over the age of seven.

The truly impressive aspect of these websites lies in the innovative safety features offered. Yoursphere, for example, subjects parents to background checks before their children can create an account. In addition, it vets its members against a registered sex offender database to further ensure safety. Imbee offers excellent opportunities for parents to remain involved while their children learn to network online.

There is no foolproof way for parents to ensure cyber safety; however, educating youth about their cyber footprints and the need for caution is a critical first step. As we become further engrossed in this age of iPhones and Facebook, both parents and tweens can find solace in remaining informed.

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A Youthful Approach to Internet Safety

Dishu Maheshwari — 2011-07-25T15:12:00+00:00

Filed under: Cyberbullying

Come home from school, eat a snack, play Nintendo DS. Do some homework, eat dinner, play Xbox 360. Take a shower, brush teeth, play computer games and go to the Dragon Tales website. Ah, life of the young and elementary schooler.

The Internet age has obviously impacted the corporate world dramatically. However, the increasing availability of Internet and media resources within the common household has had consequences that are not always apparent. Parental concern regarding child safety online has increased tenfold as phones, IPods, and computers all come equipped with ways to constantly remain connected. Not only personal devices, but computers at local libraries and schools are being utilized for social networking and Web surfing. Under these circumstances, it becomes extremely important and rather difficult to educate and maintain Internet safety and security.

What parents can do however, is teach to their kids instead of preach to their kids. While parents are aware of the dangers that lurk online, children are often blissfully ignorant. There are ways to impart knowledge about Internet safety that are creative and interactive. I recently came upon a website showcasing the teachings of Professor Garfield. Most of us are familiar with the chubby orange cat of Sunday comics, but his professor avatar is one that parents of younger children will find particularly useful. This website uses interactive games and videos to define common Internet dangers. For example, it encourages children to explore cyberbullying-what it is and how to stop it. Through the use of comedic videos starring Garfield, children can learn to combat Internet predators.

As someone who was a teenager not so long ago, I can attest to frustrations that arise from listening to parental lectures and advice. Although I now understand that my parents always had my best interest in mind, it was not so clear during my moody teenage days. Instead of preaching to children about the rights and wrongs of Internet safety, one can use resources such as the ever-charming Garfield to entertain and educate. Oh and mom, these videos are enjoyable for adults also.

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The Internet in Our Child's Backpack

Holly Hawkins — 2011-07-25T13:11:00+00:00

Filed under: Technology

The arrival and rapid adoption of portable, connected devices has, literally and figuratively, lifted the computer from our homes and dropped it into our child's backpack. These portable, connected devices pose a greater risk to our children than the home computer because they can be pulled out and used anywhere and at anytime on impulse, and most importantly, without supervision.

You can read my entire article on iKeepSafe's Internet Safety News and Information blog: The Internet in Our Child's Backpack.

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