Teens and Computers...What's a Parent to Do?
I decided to write the book "Teens and Computers...What's a Parent to Do? after speaking with dozens of parents who are nervous, scared, frustrated and otherwise uncertain about what their teenagers are doing online and what they should be concerned about. Here are some things for parents to consider:
Anyone who uses the Internet should understand that our notions of privacy are very different today than they were a just a few short years ago. We used to be able to protect our privacy with an unlisted phone number. Now, we have to sign up to be placed on the "do not call" list so Telemarketers won't call us. We have to be careful when we transact business in a crowded store or at an ATM so that someone nearby can't obtain our personal information.
Facebook recently faced negative attention when it was uncovered that they were releasing personal information about their users. It seems they were listing purchases that their users made or movies they attended. Facebook has made changes to the system so that users can "opt out" more easily, but the news that Facebook was releasing information about user's personal habits took everyone by surprise.
If you are the parent of a teenager you know that teens often feel invincible. "That won't happen to me", is a constant refrain. Teaching your teenagers, and younger children how to use the Internet responsibly is the first step to safety. Parents need to practice this, too!
Check back to this page for more information on how to help your teens use the Internet safely and responsibly. My book, "Teens and Computers...What's a Parent to Do? is available on Amazon.com or ask for it at your local bookstore (ISBN 1-4196-7075-6).
Anyone who uses the Internet should understand that our notions of privacy are very different today than they were a just a few short years ago. We used to be able to protect our privacy with an unlisted phone number. Now, we have to sign up to be placed on the "do not call" list so Telemarketers won't call us. We have to be careful when we transact business in a crowded store or at an ATM so that someone nearby can't obtain our personal information.
Facebook recently faced negative attention when it was uncovered that they were releasing personal information about their users. It seems they were listing purchases that their users made or movies they attended. Facebook has made changes to the system so that users can "opt out" more easily, but the news that Facebook was releasing information about user's personal habits took everyone by surprise.
If you are the parent of a teenager you know that teens often feel invincible. "That won't happen to me", is a constant refrain. Teaching your teenagers, and younger children how to use the Internet responsibly is the first step to safety. Parents need to practice this, too!
Check back to this page for more information on how to help your teens use the Internet safely and responsibly. My book, "Teens and Computers...What's a Parent to Do? is available on Amazon.com or ask for it at your local bookstore (ISBN 1-4196-7075-6).
