The popularity of social networking continues to grow among kids. Social networking sites can provide a secure way for kids to connect with each other, but they can also be exploited for any number of disreputable purposes. Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends parents take specific steps to keep kids safe online.
Kids of all ages are getting into social networking. According to iStrategy Labs the number of users on Facebook that are between the ages of 13 and 18 grew by 88 percent in 2009 to 10.7 million. While Facebook and MySpace require all users to be at least 13 years old, some sites are geared for children even younger.
“For some parents, their kids know more about computers and the Internet than they do, however, it’s important to remember that kids aren’t old enough to understand all of the various threats that lurk online,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Even if they’re intimidated by technology, parents need to supervise their child’s computer use in the house as well as educate their kids on how to play it safe online.”
BBB offers the following tips for parents who want to help keep their kids safe online:
Explain the difference between sharing and over sharing.
While social networking is about sharing photos, thoughts and experiences, explain to your kids that they should never share personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, bank account numbers, passwords or their Social Insurance Number (SIN). Also talk about what constitutes inappropriate photos or language and stress the fact that while you may be able to delete them you can never fully take them back.
“Never talk to strangers” applies online too. One of the first rules we teach our kids is to never talk to strangers; remind them that the rule holds true when online. Even though chatting with a stranger online can seem harmless, the relationship can evolve and grow until the stranger has earned your child’s trust - and can then exploit it.
Set strict privacy settings.
Social networking sites let users determine who they want to share information with. Talk to your child about restricting access to his or her profile to only friends or users in safe networks such as their school, clubs or church groups.
Keep the channels of communication open.
Let your kids know that you are always ready to talk if they are ever threatened, bullied or feel uncomfortable about an experience they had online.
Join them online. If you haven’t already, set up your own account in the same social networks. This will help you better understand what social networking is all about. You can also then “Friend” your child and keep an unobtrusive eye on what they are doing.
“Whether you are a parent yourself or not, the fact of the matter is that all these tips are relevant to all adults using social networking sites as well,” says Scott. “To avoid becoming a victim of online fraud we all need to use common sense and use safe practices online.”
You can learn more about how to keep your kids safe online visit
http://www.safecanada.ca. Parents can also learn how to keep themselves safe from ID thieves and hackers online at
vi.bbb.org.
MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH
BBB along with a number of consumer and volunteer groups, government agencies and law enforcement organizations are using the month of March to join forces and educate Canadians on how to recognize, report and stop fraud.
Every Monday in March, BBB will be posting informative Fraud Prevention Tips at
vi.bbb.org. Our theme this year is “Protecting Yourself from Online Fraud.” We will also post links to other important fraud prevention organizations.
Education and common sense are the key elements to protecting yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. Educate yourself and stay informed! Visit
vi.bbb.org for more information.