A Parent’s Perspective

How many teens are online?

In 2010, these

numbers will rise to

75-80%

Almost all current

applications on the

web offer some form of social

networking.

http://pewinternet.org/Infographics/Generational-differences-in-online-activities.aspx

Teens on

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Current as of Jan. 2009

The numbers

will be higher now (re: annual

growth)

Interesting…..

• One-third (33%) of 13-17 year olds and nearly half (48%) of 16-17 year olds report that their parents or guardians know “very little” or “nothing” about what they do on the Internet.

Cox Communications press release, “New Study Reveals 14% of Teens Have Had Face-to-Face meetings with People They’ve Met on the Internet,” May 11, 2006.

What is Social Networking?

• Social networking is the term given to web-based online communities where people can meet and share common interests.

• Much like starting at a new school, when you first join a social networking site, you have no friends, but….

• As you explore and join groups, you start to make new “friends” and rediscover old ones.

Social Networking

• Social networking is based on a certain structure that allow people to both express their individuality and meet people with similar interests. This structure includes having profiles, friends, blog posts, widgets, and usually something unique to that particular social networking website -- such as the ability to 'poke' people on Facebook.

Keep your friends close….

Profile. This is where you tell the world about yourself. Profiles contain basic information, like where you live and how old you are, and personality questions, like who's your favorite actor and what's your favorite book. Other more private information can e shared as well (i.e. phone numbers, date of birth, address, etc)

Friends. Friends are trusted members of the site that are allowed to post comments on your profile or send you private messages. You can also keep tabs on how your friends are using social networking, such as when they post a new picture or update their profile. Friends are the heart and soul of social networking.

Is Safe?

• Just like in real life, some things are kept private – our friends don’t know everything about us….

• Since Facebook can be set so that information is shared with the entire world, users (especially teens) need to be careful of what they put online and who they share it with. They also need to know how to protect their information.

Caitlin Davis18 years old (at the time)

If it’s inappropriate on the street….

Is Safe?

Advantages of Social Networking Sites for Teens….

Forum for teens to express themselves in creative ways

Means for teens to stay connected

Is Safe?Dangers of Social Networking Sites for Teenso Can put too much personal information onlineo False sense of securityo Saying they are older than they are can expose

them to more risk (i.e. predators)

• Risk of cyberbullying• What they post, might come back to haunt

them…..– inappropriate content– real or invented activities– gossip about school peers

The President…

Is on Facebook!

Privacy Settings

Privacy Settings

10 Must-Have Facebook Privacy Settings

http://www.surfnetkids.com/safety/10_musthave_facebook_privacy_settings-44210.htm

How to use Facebook Privacy Settings

http://www.safeteens.com/2009/02/27/how-to-use-facebook-privacy-settings/

Newsletter for parents to sign up for : http://facebookforparents.org/newsletter.html

New Facebook Privacy Settings: What Parents Need…http://www.commonsensemedia.org/new-facebook-privacy-settings-what-parents-need-know

Great Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTpa3AS39uA

The Last Word?

#1. Join Facebook.Yes, you should sign up for Facebook. This service was once just for college students, but today it’s for everyone. Parents need to be part of this world.

#2. “Friend” your kids.To “friend” someone on Facebook means connecting to them. Your kids will probably complain about you “friending” them. That’s normal. But if your kids are minors, you should “friend” them.

#3. Review your kids’ profile pages.Go to the profile pages for your kids and review the content. At first, you’ll see the “Wall.” But don’t stop there. Click on the tabs for “Info” and “Photos” to see more.

#4. Review who is “friends” with your kids.On the profile page for your kids, click on the words “See All” in the Friends box. You can then see who is linked to your kids. Seeing who is friends with whom is typical Facebook behavior.