Social Networking and Internet Safety

1. Social Networking and Internet Safety

2. Number of Students using social networking websites • Grades 5-8 – 56 out of 66 – 85% • Grades 9-12 – 79 out of 85 – 93% • Grades 5-12 – 135 out of 151 – 89% • 100% of the Juniors and Seniors use a social networking site.

3. Number of students whose parents have access to their account • Grades 5 – 12 - 48 out of 135 – 34%

4. How many students have one of their parents as a friend? • Grades 5 – 12 – 70 out of 135 – 52%

5. Profile Open to Everyone • Grades 5 – 12 - 41 out of 135 – 30%

6. Other Interesting Statistics • 24% of our students have over 300 friends. • Facebook is the social network of choice for Wilmot students.

8. As a parent you have the right and responsibility to monitor your child’s internet usage and accounts!!!

9. Internet Crime Facts • There are an estimated 12.8 million pornographic websites, and over 1.6 billion total websites • Estimates indicate that there are over 17,000 websites devoted to child pornography or pedophilia. • According to some estimates, as many as 80,000 child pornography files are traded on-line every week. • Of those children between the ages of 10 and 17 who use the Internet, one in five was the target of on-line sexual solicitations in the last year. • As of July, 2007 MySpace detected that 29,000 convicted sex offenders had profiles on its service. These profiles were deleted by MySpace. (Reuters, July 24, 2007)

10. The Perfect Victim • Children make excellent victims for predators because: • They are too trusting • Most are curious about sex • They desire attention and affection • They are viewed as unreliable witnesses. • They don’t tell anyone, because they feel guilty.

11. Why do pedophiles like the Internet • The Internet provides privacy and anonymity. • They get instant gratification. • It provides easy accessibility to millions of children • Security • An expanded opportunity for contact. • (1 in 33 was asked to meet someone face to face; was telephoned; or was sent mail, money or gifts.)

12. Promote Social Intelligence • Why would you… • Give unnecessary personal information? • Assume you know who is on the other end? • Grandma@cottage.com could actually by Wolf@bigfangs.com • Post compromising pictures? • Leave unwanted cyber footprints? Think Before You Post!!

13. Signs a Child May Be At Risk • Child is secretive • Child goes around blocking software • Child turns off the screen, puts laptop screen down • Child erases Internet History • Child receives phone calls or instant messages from an unknown source • Child receives gifts from an unknown source (especially cell phones)

14. Suggested Social Networking Rules • No Secret Accounts • Set Profile to Private • Monitor child’s page for content • Monitor friends • Monitor cell phones • Choose a screen name that is a little mysterious and will not reveal any personal information.

15. Tips for Parents • If you are suspicious, trust your instincts. • Talk with your child • Review the Internet history. • Don’t delete anything/Leave the computer on if you see something suspicious. • Do NOT allow webcams. • Tell your kids if someone tells you not to tell your parents, that is a warning sign.

16. Safety Guidelines for Students • DO NOT give out personal information (ex: phone number, address, name of school, etc). • Tell your parents if you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable. • Never agree to get together with someone you “meet” online. • Never send pictures of yourself to someone you meet online. • If someone sends you an email that asks you not to tell your parents, that’s a warning sign. • Choose a screen name that is a little mysterious and will not reveal your personal information.

17. Questions????? • Additional Information can be found at: • www.wiredsafety.org • www.netsmartz.org • www.sdcybersafe.com • www.missingkids.com/adcouncil/res.html