Social Network S afety T ips

1. Social Network Safety Tips By: Mallory Mayert & Brooke Atkins

2. Table of Contents • Introduction • Why This Topic? • Harmful Effects • How to Choose A Safe Social Networking • What To Do If Your Child Joins a Social Network? • Safe Social Networks For Children • Any Questions?

3. Introduction • It’s only natural that children want to join the trend of social networking. • Social networking is based on a certain structure allowing people to express themselves and meet people with similar interests. • The structure includes: • Profile: containing basic information about yourself. • Friends:people that are allowed to post comments to you and send you messages. • Groups: allow you to find people with similar interests (ex. Ning, Facebook Ed. group.) • Discussions:interactions between groups • Blogs:personal information keeping other informed and updates with your activities/life.

4. Why This Topic? • Social networking is growing and is becoming more and more popular especially within our schools. • Social networking is attracting younger children as they are lying about their ages. • As teacher we want to address these issues with parents as it does take places at home. • Overall, we want to address these dangers involved with Social Networking and make them aware of the permanency of the things posted.

5. Harmful Effects • Privacy:Young children are more likely to post personal information because they don’t fully understand the consequences. • Exposure to inappropriate content:allows an opportunity to come across inappropriate advertising or websites by clicking on links. • Cyber bullying:children are not mature enough to withstand name calling which can cause major damage psychologically.

6. Harmful Effects • Strangers:children tend to sway towards people with similar interests. Children also have the tendency to compete with one another for a high amount of “friends.” • Cyber Stalking:simple pictures can reveal a lot. It can say things such as: what there home looks like, what school they attend, what they look like and information about their friends/family. • Brain Changes:children that use social networking sites experience a lack of attention and a shaky sense of identity.

7. Harmful Effects • It’s Permanent:Anything done online will leave a trace. Years from now, those things can be seen by potential employers or colleges which can have a negative effect.

8. How to Choose A Safe Social Network • How can I keep my child safe? • How often does the website monitor content? • Does the website have clear safety, security and privacy policies posted online? • Will my child be exposed to any inappropriate content in the form of advertising or links? • What will my child learn? • Will I be notified of any dangerous activity?

9. What To Do If Your Child Joins a Social Network? • Discusswhy they want to use it? And what they plan to add? • Talk about online safety basics, what information should be private. • Check their privacy settings. • Discussharmful effects • Take advantage of parental control features on your computer • Review your child’s friend list

10. Safe Social Networks for Children • Club Penguin • Webkinz • Whyville • Facechipz • Kidzrocket

11. Any Questions?