Patti Fowler Internet Safety Education Coordinator SC ICAC Task Force Office of the Attorney General Internet Safety

The Internet

Definition The large network of millions of computers around the world connected to each other through smaller networks. It’s a very public place!

Things to Consider: Once something is posted on the Internet: –it is no longer private. –you cannot get it back. –you have no control over where it goes. –you have no control over who sees it. –it is permanent.

Online Predators

The Predator Isolates victim from family and friends. Wants to have secrets. Promises money, electronics, etc. Wants to meet victim offline.

Predators and the Internet Predators find information, photos posted by children and teens. Search through chat rooms and social networking profiles like catalogs, looking for preferences. Make contact and begin the “grooming” process – one in which trust and control is established.

Chat Lingo IWALU LMIRL POS 143 MUSM BF WTGP ASL

Risky Behaviors

PRIVACY vs. Public Most sites are set on PUBLIC by default.

PRIVACY vs. Public - Facebook Friends Only Everyone/ Public Friends of Friends

Risky Behaviors Posting too much personal information online.

“We cannot guarantee that only authorized persons will view your information.” “We cannot ensure that information you share on Facebook will not become publicly available.” From Facebook’s Privacy Policy

Risky Behaviors Sharing passwords with friends. PW is the key to name, identity, and reputation.

Risky Behaviors Accepting anyone and everyone as friends. “Friends” tallies Competition Popularity

Risky Behaviors Communicating with strangers.

Risky Behaviors Agreeing to meet with a stranger in real life.

Driving While Texting - DWT

Sexting

Definition Sexting generally refers to youth taking nude or semi-nude photos of themselves or their peers, and sending the photos to their friends, usually by cell phones.

Is Sexting a Crime in SC? Unlawful Communication (Use of a phone) Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Child Pornography)

Shadow Resume Prospective Employers Colleges and Universities

Cyberbullying

Definition When the Internet, cell phones, or other electronic devices are used to intentionally and repeatedly hurt, threaten, humiliate or embarrass others. Cyberbullying is the most common online risk young people face. (Palfrey, Boyd, Sacco, 2009)

Compared to Traditional Bullying Difficult to escape – can occur 24/7. Invasive – can occur while victim is at home. Harmful material can go viral. Cyberbully can have a sense of disinhibition, anonymity. Lack of immediate feedback, consequences for the cyberbully. Harder for adults to monitor because it’s online and mobile.

Posting mean, hurtful, cruel comments Spreading rumors, gossip Harassing, threatening, using offensive language Creating fake profiles Creating and responding to o nline polls, surveys Forms of Cyberbullying

Roles Involved In Cyberbullying Cyberbully Victim – Often seen by others as different (race, religion, clothes, disability, weight, sexual orientation, etc.) Bystander Upstander

Is Cyberbullying a Crime in SC? Harassment Stalking

Parent Strategies

Most Effective Parent Strategy Parent knowledge and supervision. What sites can they visit? Who can they talk to online? How long will they be online?

Communicate Family Values Two-way communication: Let them know that family values and ethical behaviors are expected online. Let them show you what they do online. Let them teach you what you don’t know.

Placement of computers. Also must consider mobile devices.

Consider filtering and monitoring software.

Know their passwords and screen names. Know who your child is communicating with online. If child has a social media account, have them friend you. Be familiar with basic chat lingo.

Questions, Comments