social networking – dangers
Web 2.0 sites like MySpace are also described as social-networking sites. People, and particularly children, use their sites to list their likes and dislikes, write blogs, and invite messages from other users. It can be a way of finding like-minded friends.
While most social networking sites have privacy settings, house rules and ways of dealing with inappropriate content, there are still risks.
It’s impossible, in the online environment, to be sure that anyone leaving a message is who they say they are. Or that their intentions are what they claim to be.
All sorts of people could be viewing your child’s site, who they, and indeed you, would not want to encounter. Paedophiles, child pornographers, recruiters for extremist movements, even people who promote dysfunctional conditions like self-harm or eating disorders. So it is really important to make sure you understand the privacy settings of the service and be cautious when making contact with people you do not know.
Personal details like addresses or phone number should never be made public. Even photos can sometimes give away where someone lives.
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posting on the web – dangers
Nothing you post on the internet is private. Even removing a posting or a web site doesn’t guarantee it hasn't already been copied and posted elsewhere. Because of this, it’s very important to think carefully about what you post.
making social networking safer
Social networking sites are now so prevalent, it’s difficult to completely control your child’s access to them. Instead, it’s a good idea to get to know how these kinds of sites work, and reach an understanding with your child that now and then you will check on who they are in contact with and what they’re posting.
web 2.0 – talking points for children
Web 2.0 sites like MySpace and Bebo are very popular with children – but the ease and attractiveness of them can obscure the dangers. Here are some talking points to raise awareness of the main issues with children.
