As a concerned parent, you are undoubtedly aware that maintaining an online diary or a frequently updated ‘profile page’ on major social networking sites (MySpace, Bebo, LiveSpaces, or Facebook) is widespread practice among adolescents and preteens. These websites are often accessible to anybody with Internet connection, putting your kid at danger.
Children may create accounts on most social networking sites that contain videos, pictures, and personal information such as their address, phone number, birthdate, and complete names. Kids use these sites to communicate with people who live halfway across the globe or just next door. Instant chat, gaming, and other communication features are often available on the website.
Unfortunately, some of the information shared on social networking sites may expose your kid to predators. Continue reading for five excellent tips on how to help your kid utilize social networking sites securely.
1. Avoid using complete names. If you do allow your kid to use social networking sites, make sure they use a nickname or their first name rather than their entire name.
2. Keep an eye on your child’s profile. Insist on seeing and monitoring your child’s public page. Check for any sensitive personal information, such as addresses or mobile phone numbers, that may endanger your child’s safety.
3. Never allow your kid to meet someone in person who they met solely online. Children may be in grave risk if they travel to meet individuals they just met on the Internet.
4. Think about putting site limits in place. Most social networking sites enable users to establish privacy settings, limiting access to their accounts to only those who have been authorized. This is an excellent method for restricting access to your child’s information.
5. Delete the page. If your kid refuses to follow your safety guidelines, try contacting the website and requesting that the page be deleted, or look into using Internet filtering software to restrict access to the site.
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