The Importance of Discussing Internet Safety with Your Teen
Are you a parent? If you are, have you already had the internet safety talk with your child? If you have yet to do so, this is a discussion that you will want to have. Since many teenagers like using social networking websites, online message boards, internet chat rooms, and instant messaging programs, internet safety is a subject that must be discussed.
As nice as it is to hear that you should talk about internet safety and internet use in general with your child, you may be curious as to why it is important that you do so. For your convenience, just a few of the many reasons why you should Read more
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April is Internet Safety Month
Posted: April 1, 2009 04:03 PM
Updated: April 1, 2009 04:03 PM
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(Lincoln, Neb.) Attorney General Jon Bruning today announced that April is Internet Safety Month. Bruning is kicking off the month with Internet safety presentations to students in Sidney and Arcadia.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in seven children who regularly use the Internet is sexually solicited. One in 11 is harassed or threatened and almost 80 percent of solicitations happen at a home computer. Social-networking sites are one tool that predators continue to use to contact children.
“Kids in Nebraska use these sites as a way to connect with friends,” Attorney General Jon Bruning said, “They post photos and personal information without understanding the implications. For an online sex predator, that’s like hitting the jackpot. They’ll use that information to strike up a conversation, become a child’s friend and then ask to meet in person.”
The Attorney General’s Office also warns that more sex predators are using cell phones to communicate with potential victims through texting, instant messaging and picture sharing. Remember many cell phones are basically pocket-sized computers.
Here are some things parents can do to help protect their children:
* Use parental controls and filtering tools that can block harmful content from the Internet and limit who and when your child can call or text from a cell phone.
* Select a cell phone without Internet access or text messaging features.
* Take the time to read through your children’s text messages and networking site homepages.
* Remind children to never post personal information such as phone number, address or age on the Internet.
* Encourage your kids to talk to you if they receive threatening or uncomfortable messages.
* Warn children against meeting with someone they’ve met online.
The Attorney General’s Office is partnering with Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh and Sen. Tom White on the Child Protection Bill. This bill expands the crime of online enticement to include communications through electronic devices other than computers, like cell phones. Under this legislation, it’s also illegal for the most heinous registered sex-offenders to access social-networking sites.
For more information on Internet safety, visit www.safekids.ne.gov.
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Child predators stalk online gamers
By Sarah Lucero / KENS5
Game systems such as the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Nintendo Wii offer children a whole new world of gaming excitement. Unfortunately, they also offer child predators a new avenue to reach them.
Most videos have sound associated with the game, but the systems also sell additional audio accessories or earpieces on which there is an entirely separate conversation happening.
Brothers Chauncey and AJ Rodriguez like to use the Playstation 3 game system and earpiece. The earpiece allows them to hold conversations with other gamers who are also playing the same game. The brothers say it’s incredible to be involved in conversations with people from all over the world.
“People play online all the time, and there’s more competition,” said AJ, when asked why he prefers playing his favorite games online.
The teens say setting up the communication device is easy.
“Once you find a wireless connection, you go into the game system and go online,” said 16-year-old gamer Mike Spegar.
Spegar prefers to play the Nintendo Wii online because it’s free. He pointed out that Xbox charges a monthly fee of a few dollars. He also says Xbox is more popular with hardcore gamers.
“There are games that appeal to all age levels. There are activities that appeal to all age levels. It’s really just about identifying the right way to Read more
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