Don’t talk to strangers.
It’s easy for our children to spot an adult in a schoolyard, but not as easy to do the same in cyberspace, or on text-messaging. Our kids need to learn that unless they know the people in real life (“RL”), the person has to be treated like a stranger no matter how long they have chatted online. Period.
Come straight home after school.
When kids wander around, unsupervised, after school they inevitably get into trouble. Allowing your children to spend unlimited time surfing or texting aimlessly is no different. Set a time limit. Create a “no texting” zone, where they spend time with their real life friends and engage in family activities (and homework).
Don’t steal.
Illegal music, movie and game downloads. Enough said!
Don’t start fights.
Cyberbullying is when one minor uses interactive technology to harass,frighten or humiliate another minor. They might even spread into RL. Our children should be taught to Stop (don’t do anything to make matters worse), Block (the offender) and Tell (you or another trusted adult). (You can learn more about this at stopcyberbullying.org.)
Don’t take candy from strangers.
While we don’t take candy from people online, we do often accept attachments.
A seemingly innocent attachment can contain a virus, spyware or a hacking
tool. Many of the good anti-virus programs have mobile versions. They are
worth the investment.
Don’t share personal information with others.
Our children often post their cell number on their instant messaging “away page.” Mobile device cameras can be used to take a picture and post it online. Make sure your children understand what should and should not be shared. Remember...the more information you give your children, the less information they’ll give a stranger.
