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NRI Speaker Warns of Dangers, Offers Safety Tips for Online Social Networking
Sgt. Scott Christensen of the Nebraska State Patrol Internet Crimes Against Children Unit illuminated the dangers social networking sites pose for today's children at a presentation Aug. 28 hosted by the National Research Institute and the Program Audit Department.
Christensen warns that children who use social networking sites such as MySpace often don't realize who could be on the other side of their computer screen. "Kids are thinking they're sharing information with their friends," Christensen said. "They're not thinking, 'I'm sharing this with everyone in the world.'"
Learn more about keeping your child safe on the web from parenting.org
A member of the Nebraska State Patrol since 1984, Christensen explained predators look for children at popular hangouts. "Back in the early 80's, our kids were at public parks, swimming pools, shopping malls... and now they congregate on the Internet."
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Predators can approach children inappropriately on social networking sites without showing themselves to the child or attracting the notice of witnesses. "The Internet sites allow predators to take that first step and not be observed by any of us," Christensen said.
A predator can easily locate a child by accessing a child's online profile, which may include personal information such as date of birth, school and even a phone number. Under an assumed persona, the predator can then set up a meeting, plan an abduction, or sexually exploit a child.
Christensen emphasized children should not have profiles, though 55 percent do. Even if children don't post their personal information, it can still appear on their friends sites.
Christensen said social networking sites also provide a "great forum" for young people to engage in cyberbullying. Whether it takes the form of manipulated photographs or damaging comments or lies, the sites allow for wide-spread consumption of gossip that can harm a child's reputation.
Get more help dealing with bullying online or in the classroom from the Boys Town Press!
Though MySpace is the most recognized social networking site, Christensen said parents also need to be aware of Xanga.com, Blogger.com, MSN Spaces, Friendster.com, 360.yahoo.com, and Club Penguin. Parents are encouraged to have the screen names and passwords for each of their child's accounts and monitor the content continually.
Christensen also encourages school faculties to educate themselves on what their students are saying on these sites. "You need to have a presence out there," Christensen said to employees who attended the presentation. "You need to monitor what the kids are doing, because that is the pulse of your school. If you're not out there, you're missing stuff."
