bNetS@vvy welcomes guest blogger Deb Berlyn
For kids and teens today the Internet is a virtual playground filled with new and exciting ways to be entertained, educated and to interact with friends. And the same rights and responsibilities that apply in our regular lives should apply online in order to have the most enjoyable and safe experience possible while playing on the Internet. Educating kids about what activity is legal, appropriate for their ages and acceptable to your individual household is key to ensuring that they remain secure in this virtual space. Also critical is that as consumers, we avail ourselves of the numerous services and toolkits that our Internet Service Providers offer to enhance the safety and privacy of our kids’ experiences online.
As consumers we must continue to avail ourselves of the ever-evolving resources we have access to as precautions in order to contribute positively to the security of our kids online. In doing so we must also recognize the tremendous impact that the decisions we make facing the screen are as critical as the ones being made behind the screen, beyond the threats that we can see and ward off.
Today ISPs are more than blinking lights on a router or a cord running to a plug in the wall: they allow us to connect to the web and are our partners in ensuring that kids are secure online and that the access they have to entertainment is reliable and protected. Smart network management by providers is a crucial companion to the individual choices we make as parents to ward off threats to our children’s’ safety online.
As educated consumers and conscientious parents, it’s imperative that we support an Internet ecosystem that is fertile ground for innovation and growth, freedom of expression and personal choice. And as we work to make the Internet a safer place for our kids, we recognize the importance of understanding the importance of managed networks in paving the way for a safer virtual playground.
Debra Berlyn is President of Consumer Policy Solutions and has over 18 years of consumer advocacy experience, handling in-depth regulatory and legislative issues. She is a recognized, national voice on the issue of handling online safety and other telecommunications issues.
A teen sends a nude photo of herself and finds herself facing criminal charges, so she sues the local prosecutor. On what grounds? Does she have a case? How does this case illustrate the larger struggle facing communities when they try to police teen sexting and its consequences? The New York Times delves into these questions in a March 26 piece, which reads in part:
A survey of 1,280 teenagers and young adults released in December by the National Campaign to Prevent Teenage and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com found that 20 percent of teenagers and 33 percent of young adults ages 20 to 26 said they had sent or posted nude or seminude photos of themselves.
“Is this today’s example of the sky is falling?” said Bill Albert, a spokesman for the campaign, a nonprofit group in Washington. “No, and I don’t think we need to overreact.”
Sexting
Unfortunately the term “sexting” is not uncommon among tweens today. Sexting has been defined as sending explicit messages or photos to someone over the Internet or through a mobile device. Given that most cell phones have built in cameras, it is important that parents and teachers be aware of the dangers that can occur if a tween is caught sexting. Many schools are required to report known incidents of sexting and in some states receiving an explicit message and/or photo from a minor could result in jail time. Most tweens may view it as innocent flirting not realizing that it comes with serious consequences. Be sure to share the following tips with tweens you may know:
- Never share nude photos of yourself with anyone.
- Never take photos of yourself that you wouldn’t want everyone to view.
- If you receive a nude photo of someone do not forward the photo.
- Remember consequences for sexting can be severe.
- Remember that messages intended for a particular recipient can easily be forwarded to others.
- If you continue to get unwanted explicit messages, tell a trusted adult who can assist you.
NetSmartz Workshop, our 4NetSafety partner with the Sprint Corporation has answers to common questions adults may have about sexting and how to deal with it here.
Online Gaming
Online gaming is fun and can be very entertaining for most tweens. It is important that parents and teachers educate themselves about online gaming. Online gaming is the act of playing an electronic game through the Internet. Some electronic games can be played by multiple players and even anonymous players over the Internet. Guardians should always check the ratings for games to ensure they are age appropriate and set parental controls. Here are a few tips to keep tweens on the right track when playing online games:
- Choose gender-neutral, appropriate screen names.
- Never give out personal information or share images online.
- Block cyberbullies from chatting with you and report it to an adult.
- Don’t arrange to meet in person anyone you’ve met online without your parent’s knowledge.
- Be careful when downloading software; it may cause harm to your computer.
- Make sure your parent or guardian installs security software to prevent virus infections from being downloaded.
- Be courteous and use cyber etiquette when playing with others online.
NetSmartz Workshop, our 4NetSafety partner with the Sprint Corporation offers the following tips to parents for online gaming.
Nowadays it seems like just about everyone has joined a social networking site. Social networking sites are websites that allow individuals to connect with others with common interests or share information via the internet. These websites have become very popular over the years, not just for adults but for children as well. Some social networking sites are specifically targeted for children and tweens. The following sites are pretty popular among children (Gaia, Webkinz) and teens (Facebook, MySpace, myYearbook, Twitter). Joining a social networking site can be fun and have lots of benefits but remember to share the following tips with the tweens in your life.
- Be aware of the different features on various social networking sites.
- Be cautious about posting information and photos that could be used to identify you or locate you offline.
- Be careful that your screen name doesn’t provide too much personal information about you.
- Only post information that your parents are comfortable with others seeing and knowing about you.
- Remember that once you post information online, you can’t take it back.
- Because some people lie about who they really are, be cautious of the information you share with online friends.
- Never meet with someone that you have met online unless it is approved by a parent or guardian.
- If you feel threatened or uncomfortable because of something online, tell an adult you trust.
Check out the following resources for more information on social networking:
Cyberbullying can be defined as using the Internet, cell phones or other devices to send texts or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. According to NetSmartz® Workshop cyberbullying can have devastating effects on children and can occur at all hours of the day. It has become a significant Internet safety concern among tweens and parents with the number of teens who have attempted or committed suicide in connection with growing cyberbullying rates. Many organizations like bNetS@vvy are advocates for preventing cyberbullying and for informing parents and educators on how to address it. It is important to educate children on their rights and the safety precautions that can be taken to help deal with a cyberbullying situation. Remember to relay these important tips to the students and children you know:
- Don’t open, read or respond to messages from cyberbullies.
- Tell a trusted adult about the cyberbullying before the situation gets worse.
- Save all messages from the cyberbully—they may be needed to take action.
- Never agree to meet with the cyberbully in person.
- Block cyberbullies from your chat or instant messenger accounts.
- If you feel threatened in any way, report the situation to a parent, teacher or the local police.
- Remain civil and don’t retaliate since most cyberbullies expect a response to their behavior.
- If a friend is being cyberbullied, urge him or her to follow these tips.
- Parents should meet with school administrators and/or the cyberbully’s guardian to discuss a plan of action
- Some schools have bullying policies in place and will work with you to combat cyberbullying
NetSmartz Workshop, our 4NetSafety partner with the Sprint Corporation, offers these signs that may indicate if your child is a victim of bullying.
A child who is being cyberbullied may:
- Avoid using computers, cell phones, and other technological devices.
- Appear stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message, or text.
- Withdraw from family and friends.
- Act reluctant to attend school and social events.
- Avoid conversations about computer use.
- Exhibit signs of low self-esteem including depression and/or fear.
- Have declining grades.
- Stop eating or sleeping.
- In serious cases, consider suicide.
June is officially Internet Safety Month and to celebrate bNetS@vvy is featuring weekly tips for parents, educators and students. This week’s tips will showcase how your tweens can remain safe while sharing information online and how quickly information can spread in your personal life and the cyber world.
Sharing Information
- Before you post something online, think about the short and long term impact.
- Do not send or post anything online or by text that you do not want to be made public, as this information may be shared quickly and without your permission.
- Do not post your cell phone number or home phone number online.
- Online profiles and websites should not contain any personally identifiable information like your phone number, address, e-mail.
- Do not use your real name when creating screen names online.
- Do not forward any questionable information or images that you receive via text as you may be held legally responsible for doing so.
- Know how to report problems to a chat room moderator.
- Never meet someone offline that you only know through online conversations.
- Save copies of your online conversations.
- Never respond to text messages from someone you don’t know.
- Never let someone you don’t know use your cell phone.
- Before you discard of your phone make sure you remove all personal information.
Our 4NetSafety partner, NSTeens.org, is a resource of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and wants to help tweens understand how quickly and how widely information may be disseminated via online applications and cell phones with their newest video, “Mike-Tosis”. When children put personal or inappropriate information online, they run the risk of having it spread throughout their schools, communities, or even worldwide. Share the “Mike-Tosis” video with a tween you know.
Internet safety tips
As part of 4NetSafety, Sprint and the National Education Association Health Information Network offer bNetS@vvy, a resource targeted to adults; offering articles and online-safety tools that adults can use with the young people in their lives. During the month of June, starting the week of June 7, bNetS@vvy will send out weekly Internet safety tips via e-mail to those on their distribution list. Tips will focus on hot safety topics like cyberbullying, social networking and sharing too much personal information. If you would like to receive e-mails from bNetS@vvy, please register your e-mail address in the “Sign Up!” section of the homepage.
June is Internet Safety Month, and Sprint’s 4NetSafetySM program offers kids, parents and educators the resources they need to make sure that the Internet remains a place of education and fun. 4NetSafety is a partnership between Sprint, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC), the National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN), and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. All services are available free of charge with no registration required at www.4netsafety.com, and many features are also available in Spanish.
“Internet Safety Month is the perfect time to remember that even though the Internet presents many fantastic opportunities for our young people, it also presents potential dangers,” said Debby Ballard, Director of Community Affairs for Sprint. “4NetSafety is there to help kids, parents and educators better navigate the online world so that our children can safely get to the content that’s appropriate for them.”
IDK if you understand this message. If you do, that’s GR8, NP if you don’t b/c we’ve provided a list of common netlingo terms that may have you stumped. Visit www.netlingo.com for more commonly used abbreviations. Until next time, TTYL!
- 2moro – Tomorrow
- 2nite – Tonight
- B4N – Bye For Now
- BBIM – Blackberry Instant Messenger
- BF – Best Friend or Boyfriend
- BFF – Best Friends Forever
- BRB – Be Right Back
- BTW – By The Way
- CYA – Cover You’re A** -or- See Ya
- CYT or SYT – See You Tomorrow
- F2F – Face to Face
- GR8 – Great
- IDK – I don’t know
- ILY or ILU – I Love You
- IMHO – In My Humble Opinion
- IRL – In Real Life
- ISO – In Search Of
- J/C – Just Checking
- J/K – Just Kidding
- JTOU – Just Thinking Of You
- L8R – Later
- LMAO – Laughing My A** Off
- LOL – Laughing Out Loud -or- Lots of Love
- NP – No Problem -or- Nosey Parents
- OMG – Oh My God
- OMW – On My Way
- POV – Point Of View
- POS – Parent Over Shoulder
- ROFL – Rolling on the Floor Laughing
- ROTFLMAO – Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A** Off
- RT – Real Time
- THX or TX or THKS – Thanks
- SWAK – Sealed (or Sent) With A Kiss
- TMI – Too Much Information
- TTYL – Talk To You Later -or- Type To You Later
- WTH – What The Heck
- WTF – What The F***
- WYWH – Wish You Were Here
- XOXO – Hugs and Kisses
“Don’t talk and drive,” those are words of advice from Shelly Forney whose 9 year-old-daughter was killed by a distracted driver while riding her bike home. The woman was distracted by her cell phone when she struck Erica Forney with her SUV. Shelly’s 9 year-old-daughter Erica was 30 seconds from her house; approximately 15 pedals from her front door. Shelly spent the night in the hospital knowing her daughter would die the next day. Erica died one day before Thanksgiving.
Because of this and too many similar incidents, Oprah Winfrey launched a campaign (Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge ) in January 2010 alerting her audience and the nation of the dangers of distracted (texting/talking) driving. Research has found that a driver talking on a cell phone is four times more likely to be in an accident. A driver is eight times more likely to be in an accident while texting and driving. It is the equivalent of driving drunk!
Even when talking with a hands-free device, a driver’s visual radius is increasingly impaired. Most drivers who talk on cell phones while driving experience inattentional blindness, in other words they are not able to perceive things that are in plain sight. It is a form of tunnel vision. Jennifer Smith, the daughter of Linda Doyle, who was killed by a distracted driver, says, “It’s not where your hands are, it’s where your head is.”
It is not just cars. Thousands of passengers have been killed from drivers of mass transit vehicles who were distracted by cell phones; including numerous accidents with school buses.
April 30, 2010 is the first national No Phone Zone Day. Many organizations like the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Sprint have shown their support of this campaign in an effort to spread the word across the country and make cars, buses and trucks No Phone Zones. Currently there are only 7 states and Washington, D.C. that require hands free cell phone use. No Phone Zones can help promote safety and urge legislators to act.
BnetS@vvy strives to reach educators and parents with resources, tools and insights that can be used to address unsafe internet and technology behaviors. Sign Oprah’s No Phone Zone Pledge and make a difference in your community.
Can it be? Teens so hooked on their wireless phones that they actually sleep with them? Teens so immersed in texting that they send over 100 messages a day? Shocking as the news may — or may not– be, teens can’t seem to part with their phones, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, which has just released its latest report on Teens and Mobile Phones.
Here’s the overview of the report:
Daily text messaging among American teens has shot up in the past 18 months from 38% of teens texting friends daily in February of 2008, to 54% of teens texting daily in September 2009. And its not just frequency – teens are sending enormous quantities of text messages a day. Half of teens send 50 or more text messages a day, or 1,500 texts a month and one in three send more than 100 texts a day, or more than 3,000 texts a month. Older teen girls ages 14-17 lead the charge on text messaging, averaging 100 messages a day for the entire cohort. The youngest teen boys are the most resistant to texting – averaging 20 messages per day.
Text messaging has become the primary way that teens reach their friends, surpassing face-to-face, email, instant messaging and voice calling as the go-to daily communication tool for this age group. However, voice calling is still the preferred mode for reach parents for most teens.
And here are some interesting media pieces that round out the report’s findings with commentary that can help place the research in a broader context:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/20/AR2010042000215.html
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/going-mobile-debating-and-using-cellphones-in-school/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/19/AR2010041904995.html
As always, concerned parents and educators can turn to bNetS@vvy for advice on how to help children/teens use social technology (like mobile phones) in a safe and responsible manner.
