INTERNET SAFETY

Elementary Age Children Catherine Horn, M.A., C.A.S.Cos Cob School Psychologist

Social Media =

forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share ideas, personal messages & other content (Merriam Webster, term 1st used in 2004)

How Many Do You Know?

Search “Social Networking” on the App Store and there are 5,867 results as of February 10, 2015 and 5,884 on March 8, 2015 (+17 in almost as many days).

The Evolution of Communication

Growth of Forms of Communication In just a few short years…… we went from “snail” mail and land line phones…… to email, text, Skype and FaceTime…

Growing Faster Than We Know

• … to an explosion of Social Networking sites including:• My Space (4+) • Facebook (4+) • Twitter (4+) • Google + (17+) • Tumblr (17+) (Photo & Video:)• Instagram (12+) • SnapChat (12+) • Flickr (12+)• Vine (17+)

Some of the Pros:

• Inform• Enrich• Educate• Connect • Share

Some Concerns:

• 3 Ps:• Personal• Privacy & • Permanence

• Caution: Sometimes used to put-down, dis, offend and insult others

What’s Missing?

• Communication via a device eliminates:tone of voice,facial expression,body language, manners – keys to effective communication!

Recommendations for Parents:

• Teach Internet Safety especially to NEVER reveal personal information!

• Restrict use to common, open areas, not bedrooms.• Guide by teaching & modeling responsible use • Monitor content shared and received• Develop rules and enforce • Limit amount of time spent • Consider a Parent-Child Contract for Internet Safety• Block inappropriate sites, content, etc.

Resources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/19/style/letting-your-kids-play-in-the-social-media-sandbox http://nasponline.org/publications/cq/cq342internetsafety_ho.aspx http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/ http://www.nypl.org/help/computers-internet-and-wireless-access/a-safety-net-for-the-internet# http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth