IT CAN BE A WICKED, WICKED WORLD
Barbara Ward-Finneran
Barbara Ward-Finneran
Most parents take the time to teach typical "Stranger Danger" safety to their little ones. To teach them to call 911. As they get older - To stay together when they go out. To not follow the crowd and make responsible choices. Parents put forth great efforts to ensure the safety of their children. Those values and lessons are expected to be learned and the parents that commit to doing these and so much more are to be commended.
It can be a wicked, wicked world and we must protect out kids. It can be a wicked, wicked world wide web. Why do so many overlook the dangers that they invite into their own homes? The dangers that have come with the brilliance and convenience of technology. Cyberspace, cell phones, text messages, chat rooms, instant messaging, digital and web-cams, all common place to the youth of today, yet, dare I admit, didn't even exist when we were their ages.
With these eases of communication and information have come other things that never existed for our generation growing up.
Cyberbullying allows threats, lies, gossip, harassment, nasty comments, emails, texts, etc. to be communicated to the masses in a nanosecond and there is no emotional connection. Those attacking the victim don't see the pain, fear or hurt that they inflict. This media also allows for the "message" to be passed on again and again in mere moments.
Sexual predators are rampant in cyberspace and the online world invites them right into your home and your kid's pockets via cell phones and ipods. They interact with virtual strangers who they'd probably cross the street to avoid in "real life" or worse when they "look normal" they let down their guard in an instant. The ability for a predator to seduce from behind a screen lit up with friendly typed interactions or "handsome" photos has been documented to end violently and even deadly.
"1 in 7 kids have been sexually solicited online, says John Shehan, CyberTipline program manager for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, Virginia."
Digital Pornography is another danger. Most adults worry that "it" will pop up and be viewed by their minors. Yet, they don't consider that they may be seeking it out. Or, "innocently" creating "it" (child pornography) to share with a boyfriend or girlfriend or as a dare. With cameras on practically every electronic device it's not difficult to do. Many adults do not realize that this risque interaction is common place among teens - and, it is a crime. If they share inappropriate pictures of under age minors with anyone, there are very serious repercussions. Including being labeled a sexual predator for sharing an explicit boob shot (or more) of their girlfriend with a friend, whether in joke, brag or anger - it's all a crime!
Even if the images don't cross the explicit line - they can damage reputations. Our youth have the ability to visually document ever action and interaction but not the wisdom to know what "to post and not to post". A child's online reputation can follow them, to college applications, honor societies, and well into their twenties and even have life long fall out.
Even if the images don't cross the explicit line - they can damage reputations. Our youth have the ability to visually document ever action and interaction but not the wisdom to know what "to post and not to post". A child's online reputation can follow them, to college applications, honor societies, and well into their twenties and even have life long fall out.
Have you stopped to think about the innocent cyber play that goes on under your roof? Do you really know where your kids are surfing on the internet? Do you monitor and or view emails, text messages and photos? Do you check history of sites visited? (Don't know how, I'd be willing to bet your kids know how to check it and delete it!) Have you taken precautions to set up safety software or blocks on the computers in your home?
The questions go on and on... The thought of managing it all can be overwhelming!
Have you communicated the dangers with your kids in an age appropriate manner? Discussed what to do or say and share via electronic devices? Most kids know better then to share the name of the school they attend with someone online - yet they post pictures with their school logos flashed across their attire.
Do they have enough information to protect themselves? Do you? Where do you draw the line in the boundless world wide web? It is not a question with a specific answer. However, it is one we must educate ourselves about and be proactive to continue to learn in order protect our kids. It can be a wicked world out there...
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Yesterday's LUNCH TIME POLL, has cyber safety as it's topic...
This is so true and scary. About a year ago a little girl on Long Island actually committed suicide after being bullied on facebook.
ReplyDeleteMy kids have facebook, they are young. I check in on them all the time and have control of all passwords. About a week after my oldest joined she filled out one of those "tests" everyone on her friends lists got a question about using pot. Two of my friends were on the phone in record timing to alert me of the situation. It takes a village to make sure your kids are safe! I appreciate all my friends who take the time to care :)
This is SUCH an important post Barb! All kids who use the internet should be prepared by parents and by the schools to practice internet safety.There are too many horror stories out there to ignore the dangers!
ReplyDelete