Internet Safety - Social Networking Jason Loveall

Need to Know Public profiles put kids at a much greater risk to: Receive a message from a stranger Meet with a stranger Be harassed by peers Other concerns of social networking sites: Lack of age-verification mechanisms Posting provocative pictures and videos Easy access for predators and cyber bullies Excessive or addictive access Access to unhealthy “groups”

Nice to Know 15% of Americans have never checked their social networking privacy and security account settings. 69% of social media-using teens think that peers are mostly kind to each other on social networking sites 88% of teens have seen someone be mean or cruel to another person on a social networking site.

Nice to Know 65% of social media-using teens have had an experience on a social networking site that made them feel good about themselves. 41% of social media-using teens have experienced at least one negative outcome as a result of using a social networking site. 25% have had an experience that led to a face-to-face argument or confrontation. 22% have had an experience that ended their friendship with someone. 13% have had an experience that caused a problem with their parents. 8% have gotten into a physical fight with someone else because of something that happened on a social networking site. 6% have gotten in trouble at school because of an experience on a social networking site.

Necessary Skills Be as anonymous as possible Use privacy settings Think before you post Avoid in-person meetings Be honest about your age Remember social networking sites are public spaces Avoid posting anything that could embarrass you later or expose you to danger Remember that people aren ’ t always who they say they are Avoid inappropriate content and behavior, and, if encountered, report it to the social networking site

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