Raising Tech Savvy Kids
What parents should know that their kids may already know about the internet
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Chapter 3 SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is a collection of online platforms or channels which allow continual communication and interaction worldwide. Social media has become so common that it is now the new way of life, especially among youngsters. Due to the popularity of smartphones and other popular handheld devices, children may choose to socialize utilizing social media rather than in person.
This new trend of interaction has afforded a surefire way to stay in contact with classmates, friends, and family members. From newspapers to News Feeds, there are social media platforms suitable for all generations of children.
Some popular social media platform which appeals to youngsters are:
Snapchat
Vine
Facebook, however, is amongst the most popular social media platform used by teens, followed by Instagram which is owned by Facebook founders. Although Facebook prohibit users under the age of 13, over 5 million of its users are under the age of 10 (Hopkinson, 2015).
Social Media Friends vs Strangers
A normal part of growing up is feeling socially accepted. Social media allows youngsters to extend their communication far beyond traditional telephone and face to face interactions. This outlet can serve as an opportunity for youngsters to escape social pressure. Thereby, promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance, they otherwise would not receive. This feeling of belonging and acceptance is necessary to build confidence and positive self-esteem.
When children do not feel accepted, they are at risk for developing some behavior and emotional problems... (see book for more).
Chapter 4 WHAT ARE CHILDREN DOING WITH THEIR COMPUTERS AND MOBILE DEVICES?
The Internet has a number of remarkable features. It's fast, convenient, and endless. It is a great tool to gather information which can be used for learning, especially to help children in school. However, unsafe content can pop up at the click of the mouse. Parents beware!
Secret apps for Smartphones
Mobile devices are mini computers. Children can talk, play, surf and effortlessly hide their activities from their parents. Even when parents make a conscious effort to monitor their children’s online activities, smart apps can impede their success. There are apps out there for everything, including apps to hide apps. When installed, these apps make it easy and convenient for children to hide their online activities from parents and other adults.
Youngsters are far more technologically advanced than most adults. Nevertheless, to recognize these apps, it’s important for parents to be familiar with what's on their child's media devices and how they are using them.
Secret apps masked as clocks, cameras, calculators, or other simple icons allow teens to expediently hide photos, text messages, contacts and other secret information. At first glance, the phone may appear innocent, but a thorough investigation may produce undesirable results.
Some apps parents should be concerned about are:
AppLocker
Ask.fm
Blendr..... (see book for more).
Texting Codes/Acronyms
Texting codes or acronyms are commonly used among youth when texting or communicating online. These acronyms can make it difficult for parents to determine exactly what the conversation is about. Below are some common texting acronyms and their meaning that parents should be mindful of:
143 I love you
1432 I love you too
420 Marijuana
9 Parent watching
99 Parent gone
ADN Any day now.... (see book for more).
Chapter 6 ONLINE SEXUAL PREDATORS
A sexual predator is a person who hunts for or seek another person for sexual contacts. A large number of sexual predators are utilizing the Internet to prey on vulnerable children through chat rooms, social media and instant messages. Each year, countless children around the world fall prey to sexual predators. However, because of their immature and embryonic minds, most children develop a sense that sexual predators do not exist or that it will never happen to them. Sexual predators do exist and pose a real threat to children.
An ABC News report entitled, Epidemic Online: 50,000 Predators a Minute, highlights the 50,000 predators online at any given time (Thomas, n.d.). These predators are likely luring profiles or hiding in chat rooms in search of children as sex targets. Predators hunt for both boys and girls of all ages and use the anonymity of the Internet to create fake profiles to become whomever they want.
Predators know that a growing number of children are now on the Internet, therefore, they take advantage of this opportunity as it allows easy access and increased opportunities to privately communicate with prospective children. Often children fearlessly, knowingly and willingly talk to strangers about their sexual desires.
The predator may start by sending friendly messages back and forth while requesting that the child keep their communication a secret from their parents. Initial conversations may seem harmless, but can lead to demands for explicit pictures, videos and pressure to meet in secluded places. This along facilitates awareness that children need more protection online.
Who are predators looking for?
The Internet gives predators the flexibility to carefully browse personal profiles in search of children; but not just any children, however, predators generally look for children with specific characteristic as listed below:
Predators favor:
children that use the Internet regularly and routinely
children with public profiles on social media sites
children living in urban and high populated areas (where they can easily go undetected)
children who post their names, addresses, and phone numbers children who post hobbies like sports, music and fashion; this makes it less complicated to start a conversation and for predators to groom their targets....
According to a recent report, there are over 80 million fake profiles on Facebook (Chauhan, 2016). Predators can easily hide their true identity with fake accounts on social networking sites. This allows the predator to create an identity that is similar to the child's profile. Those profiles with addresses and phone numbers are like lottery tickets to predators. In addition, profiles containing photos, emails, and videos increase the appeal of predators and especially those with web cameras (see book for more).
A predator at work
Once a predator has chosen a victim, the next step is to initiate contact in a way that gains trust and confidence. It may start with what appears to be an interesting... (see book for more).
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About the Book
According to research, there are 50,000 predators online at any given time (Thomas, n.d.). These individuals are likely luring profiles or hiding in chat rooms in search of vulnerable children. Predators know that a growing number of children are now on the Internet, therefore, they monopolize the opportunity because it allows easy access and increased chances to privately communicate with them. Unfortunately, predators are not the only threat online. According to research there are over 5 million Facebook users under the age of 10, although Facebook prohibits users under the age of 13, (Hopkinson, 2015). In addition, there are over 80 million fake profiles on Facebook (Chauhan, 2016). With the increase accessibility of social media, criminals often create fake profiles online to capitalize on the opportunity to steal more than identity. Parents, beware! As a consequence of the many hidden dangers online, parents should be concerned and learn ways to increase youth safety. This self-help manuscript will provide information to help parents help their children have a safe and rewarding Internet experience. Readers will receive the following benefits: explore the pros and cons of technology learn techniques for proper usage of modern technology gain knowledge of potential risks such as: cyberbullying, sexting, predators, exploitation and others learn about secret apps and codes children use to hide their online activities acquire knowledge to implement safety online implement and explain the rules for computer and Internet usage develop a trusting relationship to improve parent and child communication risk, safety and responsibilities receive additional resources offering information and help
About the Author
Debra Sanders Clark was born in Sumter County, AL in 1971, as the second daughter of Johnny and Arminta Sanders. During her childhood, she resided with her parents and two sisters (Johnnie Mae and Lakesha) in the rural area of small town Emelle, AL.
Clark favorite part of growing up was spending time with her grandmother (the Late Flozell Thomas), who told fairy tales with funny endings and her grandfather (the late Arthur Thomas), who taught her value of working at an early age.
Clark attended grammar school at Livingston Jr. High School (Livingston, AL) and graduated from Livingston High School in 1989. She is a 1993 Undergraduate and 1994 Graduate from Livingston University (University of West Alabama) and holds degrees in Social Science and Guidance and Counseling. Debra is married to Tyrone Clark, Sr., together they have six children (Tavis, Tyrenae, Brandon, Marnetta, Tyrone, Jr., and Shameka).
Clark has as an everlasting love for technology. She uses the technology frequently, particularly the internet to research various health topics for presentations and to assist with writing publications. She attests technology can be one of the greatest aspects of our lives, however, used improperly technology can become an avenue to societal ills.
Clark has written this self-help manuscript to help parents recognize the many hidden dangers online (cyberbullying, sexting, predators, exploitation and others) and to provide information and strategies to help create a safe and rewarding Internet experience.