Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Beware - Possible Dangers of Using Social Networking Websites For Teens!


social networking

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.

What Are 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.

Social Networking Protection Education

When it comes to protecting your child, your first thought may be to prohibit the use of
online social 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.

When Social Networking, Who Are You Talking To And Talking About?

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 within their social networking website.

The Biggest NO NO With Social Networking Webistes

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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