Post by Odin on Dec 1, 2009 16:39:26 GMT -5
www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/tech/tec14.shtm
There are quite a few points made in this article from the Federal Trade Commission. I think several are more reserved than many teens/tweens are interested in. However, here are a few points to consider heavily.
Not only are there safety concerns (from stalkers, among others), but there are career concerns that should be considered, as well.
There are quite a few points made in this article from the Federal Trade Commission. I think several are more reserved than many teens/tweens are interested in. However, here are a few points to consider heavily.
Not only are there safety concerns (from stalkers, among others), but there are career concerns that should be considered, as well.
- Post only information that you are comfortable with others seeing — and knowing — about you. Many people can see your page, including your parents, your teachers, the police, the college you might want to apply to next year, or the job you might want to apply for in five years.
- Remember that once you post information online, you can’t take it back. Even if you delete the information from a site, older versions exist on other people’s computers.
- Flirting with strangers online could have serious consequences. Because some people lie about who they really are, you never really know who you’re dealing with.
- Be wary if a new online friend wants to meet you in person. Before you decide to meet someone, do your research: Ask whether any of your friends know the person, and see what background you can dig up through online search engines. If you decide to meet them, be smart about it: Meet in a public place, during the day, with friends you trust. Tell an adult or a responsible sibling where you’re going, and when you expect to be back.
- Trust your gut if you have suspicions. If you feel threatened by someone or uncomfortable because of something online, tell an adult you trust and report it to the police and the social networking site. You could end up preventing someone else from becoming a victim.
