Saber's Back-to-School Safety Tip #2 - Technology

In this new technology age, we have to be creative when protecting our kids because the criminals are being creative. Our back-to-school safety tip #2 is Technology, including mobile devices and applications, social media and Online sites that prey on kids.


Personal Information Online
Definitely talk to your kids/teenagers on what type of information they should NOT be sharing on the Internet whether it is on Facebook, My Space, etc. You wouldn't give your address and phone number out to a stranger, right? Well, same strokes, different folks. Explain to your kids that they should only be associated with kids at their schools, neighborhoods or family that you gave them permission. DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT give out personal information online anywhere in your profile. You must be diligent about this and the good habits now will be good habits later.


Mobility
Most high schoolers have cell phones today. There are two different types of mobile warning parents/teachers/adults should look for. Sexting. In the forefront of the media these days and could be very dangerous. Never take a photo of yourself (whether it is naked/nude or with clothing) and send it to a friend. Photos can be altered and the consequences can be severe.

For teenagers, no driving and texting. Georgia just passed this law and many programs around the country really promotes this type of distraction. It should not just be texting, but other distractions as well. No putting on make-up, no fidgeting with the radio, no goofing around with friends in the car while you are driving. You have the responsibility for your driving, the passengers and others on the road.


Social Media
Recently in Atlanta, a high school student was arrested at school for posting on Facebook that he would be hurt two other students with a gun. Parents got whiff of this and called the police right away. The police came to the school and arrested the student. That student may be tried as an adult because of his threats. Social Media applications like Facebook and Twitter have revolutionized the way we communicate, but remember law enforcement agencies around the world are also using this tool and they take all threats seriously.

Interesting enough, there are many colleges that are looking at your social media pages and blogs to learn more about you. So, for those students who are applying to colleges, remember, schools are using social media too and when admissions officers are brought to the attention of your social media pages to include blogs, it can make a difference. Yes, there is the first amendment right, but colleges and universities also have the right to accept or deny a student because of his or her language on social media pages to include blogs. Students work too hard to get good grades, score well on standardize tests to only be denied because of what you might think is harmless fun on your Facebook.


Online Sites
Parents, you must monitor your kids behavior at home as to what sites they are visiting. For instant, hackers were targeting Justin Bieber so that when people would visit his YouTube page, there would be "tasteless messages pop up" and links appear to direct them to adult sites. Justin Bieber is a teenage magnet and this can be harmful. You can install software on your computers like McAfee or Symantec to detect these types of threats no matter what pages your kids are going to. You can have the software automatically report these intrusions through emailing you, their admin or close the browser down and store the information.

But, what is the key? Communication. Discuss behavior on the Internet, on mobile phones, social media pages with your kids. Make it a family event. Let your kids know that you are only looking out for their best interest. Have some examples from local news ready to discuss to back up your concerns. Good behavior now yields good behavior later in life.

Stay Safe!

Additional Helpful Articles:
Social Networking and College Admissions
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