Digital Safety

You've probably learned a long list of important safety and privacy lessons already: Look both ways before crossing the street; buckle up; hide your diary where your nosy brother can't find it; don't talk to strangers.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, is urging kids to add one more lesson to the list: Don't post information about yourself online that you don't want the whole world to know.

The Internet is the world's biggest information exchange: many more people could see your information than you intend, including your parents, your teachers, your employer, the police -- and strangers, some of whom could be dangerous.

Social networking sites have added a new factor to the "friends of friends" equation. By providing information about yourself and using blogs, chat rooms, email, or instant messaging, you can communicate, either within a limited community, or with the world at large.

But while the sites can increase your circle of friends, they also can increase your exposure to people who have less-than-friendly intentions. You've heard the stories about people who were stalked by someone they met online, had their identity stolen, or had their computer hacked.

For more information on digital safely, please visit NetSmartz.org.

Related Posts

October at ASK

Posted on by

Every day, thousands of young people experience bullying from their peers at school, after school in their neighborhoods, and even when they are at home, through social media and texts. There are many ways to support bullying prevention as an individual or with friends, family, your school, or your entire community. What Parents Should Know […]

September at ASK

Posted on by

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. It is important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. Informational Resources Crisis Resources 8 Evidence-Based Tips […]

August at ASK

Posted on by

Setting Screen-Time Limits for Your Teen This Summer Newport Academy Most teens look forward to summer break all year long. However, more free time and less structure can quickly lead to boredom. And that can cause teens to engage in excessive screen time. Before you know it, your teen is barricaded in their room mindlessly scrolling, […]

July at ASK

Posted on by

For many children and young people, summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year. School is out and schedules are much more free and open. However, this unstructured time isn’t always easy, and may be especially challenging this summer. Over the past few years, symptoms of mental health concerns among young people rose precipitously, […]

June at ASK

Posted on by

Prom and Graduation Season Proms, graduations and the parties surrounding them can be an exciting time for teens and parents that they usually can remember throughout their lives. But they can also be a time of heartbreak. There are all too often negative consequences, serious injuries, and even deaths.  The good news is that parents […]