social networking parent's guide

When you were a child, there was that famous question of "do you know where your kids are?" Well, that question is still valid today even in cyberspace...   As you guys know, social networking sites have morphed into a mainstream medium for teens as well as adults. These sites encourage and enable people to exchange information about themselves, share pictures and videos, and use blogs and private messaging to communicate with friends, others who share interests, and sometimes even the world-at-large. And that's why it's important to be aware of the possible pitfalls that come with networking online.

For some sites that are directed to children under age 13, there's the Children's Online Privacy Protection act (COPPA) which requires these sites to get parental consent before they collect, maintain, or use kids' information. COPPA also allows parents to review their child's online profiles and blog pages.

So even if you feel outpaced by technology, you do have options
*HELP YOUR KIDS UNDERSTAND WHAT INFORAMTION SHOULD BE PRIVATE
*USE PRIVACY SETTINGS TO RESTRICT WHO CAN ACCESS AND POST ON YOUR CHILD'S PAGE/WEBSITE
*EXPLAIN THAT KIDS SHOULD POST ONLY INFORMATION THAT YOU - AND THEY - ARE COMFORTABLE WHIT OTHER SEEING
*REMIND YOUR KIDS THAT ONCE THEY POST INFORMATION ONLINE, THEY CAN'T TAKE IT BACK
*KNOW HOW YOUR KIDS ARE GETTING ONLINE
*TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT BULLYING
*TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT AVOIDING SEX TALK
*TELL YOUR KIDS TO TRUST THEIR GUT IF THEY HAVE SUSPCIIONS

For more, visit the following organizations:
Federal Trade Commission: www.onguardonline.gov
or
call 877-FTC-HELP

ConnectSafely: www.connectsafely.org
CyberBully411: www.cyberbully411.org
GetNetWise: www.getnetwise.org
Internet Keep Safe Coalition: www.iKeepSafe.org
National Center for Missing 7 Exploited Children: www.missingkids.com
StaySafe: www.staysafe.org
Wired Safety: www.wiredsafety.org

To print a clean copy of this article, click here.

NOTE: We are proud to announce that for the entire month of May, S.C. Fitch Enterprises, and all of its affiliates including Amateur Sports News Network, ASNN365.com, and Amateur Sports Gallery will be honoring May as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. This Campaign was founded in 1996 to work exclusively on decreasing teen pregnancy in America, and at the outset challenged the nation to reduce the teen pregnancy rate. Unplanned pregnancy is at the root of a number of important public health and social challenges. Click here for more information.

Here is your opportunity to stop hating the media and actually become it!

We are always looking for additional personnel. Click here if you are interested. If you would like to submit a story, score, stats, or even photos, click here.