News stories regarding kids and online safety have recently been catching my attention. Therefore, I have decided to focus some of my articles on educating parents about online safety.
I believe one of the most important ways to keep kids safe online is to educate parents. Parents cannot protect their kids if they have no idea what they are up against.
I have begun asking parents questions about their kids online activities. Several parents did have parent controls but many parents I spoke to did not. Several parents realized they really don’t monitor their online activities and were surprised by some of the material that their kids could have access to. In addition, they did not realize how easy it is for a “web predator” to find personal information and befriend children by pretending to be someone else.
Recently, I came across this Twitter account and was initially very disturbed by what I read. It caught my attention and made me realize the online dangers my kids and their friends face every day. It was certainly “eye opening” to read “tweets” that might come from a “web predator”.
Twitter Account
Name: Web Predator
Location: Everywhere...
Bio: Are you watching what your kids are doing online? Don't worry...I am.
Below is a sample of @webpredator’s “tweets”…
You think your kids are harmlessly playing computer games - but I'm out there. Playing with them.
Don't worry about talking to your kids about online safety - I'll talk to them.
Working on my next victim...
Do you know what private information your kids are putting on their blogs? I do!
Hey I saw your Facebook pic - you're cute! Do you have any pics in your bathing suit???
Teens don't tweet ... sure they do. that's why I'm on here!!!!
More than 40% of teens name their school or city on blogs or social networks (according to NCMEC – National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)
By the way, I did get permission from the account holder to post their information and use some of their tweets. It seems to be an account set up to educate others about the mind of a web predator or a cyber bully. In addition, they post resourceful links to educate parents.
I will continue focusing on educating parents and protecting our children from web predators, cyber bullies and inappropriate material. I will also provide information on some of the latest kids/teen technology and trends.
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Cammie Moise