Parents: Warn Your Teens about the Dangers of Using Social Networking Websites
Are you the parent of a teenager? If so, there is a good chance that you are
wondering about their safety online, as you should be. Although the internet has
changed for the better, that change has made it easier for people to access the
internet and pretend to be someone that they are not, someone who you would
likely not want socializing with your child. For that reason, you are advised to
take the proper action needed to protect your child when they are online,
especially when they use online social networking websites.
Online social networking websites? What are they? If you are not an internet
user yourself, you may be completely unaware of social networking websites, what
they are, and how they operate. The first step in protecting your teen is to
famialrize yourself with them. Social networking websites are known as online
communities that aim to connect internet users with each other. Unfortunately,
these social networks have become the stomping grounds for many online predators
and who are they after? Teenagers and chances are your teen may be one of them.
When it comes to protecting your child, your first thought may be to prohibit
the use of online networking websites. Of course, you can do this if you want
to. You are the parent, you can do anything that you want; however, there is
really no need to. Despite the fact that danger exists, social networking sites
are relatively safe, even for teenagers. However, to be safe and stay safe, your
teenager needs to know what to avoid and who to be on the lookout for.
Essentially, this means that they best way to protect your child from online
predators is to educate them on the danger that is out there.
 One of the first things that you may want to discuss with your child is who they
are talking with online. Although they may not want to give you an answer, you
need to emphasize the importance of knowing who they are talking to. Since
social networks work to connect individuals who do not physically know each
other it may seem impossible, but it can be done. Your child should fully read
and try to understand the content of their friend's online profiles. This will
enable them to watch out for inconsistent stories or any inaccurate information.
Tell your teen that if they learn that someone is being untruthful they need to
end the conversation right away.
In addition to who your teen is taking to, it is also important to learn what
they are talking about. As with who they are talking to, your teenager may not
want to give you a straight answer. Even if you are unable to get an answer out
of them it is important to let them know what is appropriate and what is not. Be
sure they know that it is best to completely avoid individuals who like to speak
of sex, drugs, and other illegal activities. Although they may enjoy having a
number of online friends, there are plenty of other individuals, especially
teenagers, who would more than willing to have pleasant and harmless
conversations with them.
Perhaps, the most important thing to discuss with your teenager about social
networking sites is arranging physical meetings. Let them know that these
meeting are unacceptable. There have been numerous reports, over the past few
years, of teenagers being lured away from their home in hopes of meeting a new
friend, who they thought was their age. Unfortunately, many of these online
friends turn out to be older and, in many cases, sexual predators. In the event
that your teenager wants to meet an online friend and you feel that they would
with or without your permission, you may want to offer to go with them. Of
course, it is advised that you use caution and all meet in a public place.
By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, your child should still be able
to use social network sites, but use them safely. In addition to the above
mentioned safety concerns and precautionary measures, you may have your own.
Whether you do or not, it is important that you keep your child aware of the
dangers that lurk online, awareness is the key.
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