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Safety Tips for Parents

We know, the internet can seem like a scary place... But don't panic. There are ways of keeping your kids safe online. And it's easier than you think!
Some tips from Parry Aftab of WiredSafety.org

Be Involved!

  • Talk to your kids - ask questions (and then confirm to make sure they are telling you the truth)
  • Ask to see their profile page (for the first time)... tomorrow! (It gives them a chance to remove everything that isn't appropriate or safe. And it becomes a way to teach them what not to post, instead of being a gotcha moment. Think of it as a loud announcement before walking downstairs to a teen party you're hosting.)
  • Be involved and work with others in your community. (Think about joining WiredSafety.org and helping create a local cyber-neighborhood watch program in your community.)

Keep it in Perspective

  • Remember what you did when you were fifteen that your parents would have killed you for, had they known.
  • This too will pass! Most kids really do use blogs and social networks just to communicate with their friends. Take a breath, gather your thoughts and get help when you need it. (You can reach out to WiredSafety.org.)
  • Don't believe everything you read online - especially if your teens posts it on her Xanga!

Remember - You Are Still the Parent!

  • It's not an invasion of their privacy if strangers can see it. There is a difference between reading their paper diary that is tucked away in their sock drawer and reading their Xanga. One is between them and the paper it's written on; the other between them and 700 million people online!
  • And, finally... repeat after me - "I'm still the parent!" If they don't listen or follow your rules, then unplug the computer... the walk to the library will do them good
Parry Aftab is a security, privacy and cyberspace lawyer, as well as an author and child advocate. She is a worldwide leader in the area of online safety and parent and child Internet education. As Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety and educational program in cyberspace, Ms. Aftab helps prevent and investigate cybercrime. Copyright 2006 Parry Aftab, all rights reserved, duplication requests to [email protected]

May 22, 2006

Intro to Blogging and Social Networking An open letter from Parry Aftab of WiredSafety.org

My name is Parry Aftab. I head WiredSafety.org.

WiredSafety.org is the world’s largest Internet safety and help group, run entirely by unpaid volunteers from 76 countries around the world. We are a charity and promote safer and smarter use of interactive technologies and provide education, expertise and help to people of all ages online. We are an Internet safety watchdog group and are working with many large sites to help them create a safer environment and a better educated user group.

Xanga has agreed to post our safety tips and implement certain safer practices to help make sure that their users know what they need to know to protect themselves in cyberspace and enjoy the site safely. Part of this involves creating a special contact within Xanga to deal with serious matters and a program to make it easier for law enforcement to prevent and investigate cybercrimes and abuses:

  • If you are a member of law enforcement, and need Xanga’s help, please contact Xanga here. Note that this is for law enforcement agencies and officers only. All other e-mails will be ignored if sent to this address.
  • Schools and parents who have questions or need help should contact Xanga here. And if you need our help at WiredSafety.org with a cyberstalking, harassment or cyberbullying problem on Xanga, and you are unable to get help from them, reach out to WiredSafety.org’s cyberabuse reportline.
  • If you suspect that you have encountered a sexual predator, immediately contact your local police department. You can also report Internet sexual predators at NCMEC’s cybertipline.

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