Children's Social Development Advocates (C.S.D.A) “Keeping Our Future In Mind Instead Of Online” C.S.D.A.

Who Are We? Why we Care? – Children aren’t Supervised, don’t have a limit What’s the Big Deal? – Do you know who your child’s online friends are?

Your Scores! Points: – Your are an average on-line user You have control over usage Points: – You are experiencing occasional or frequent problems because of the internet. 80 – 100 Points: – Your internet usage is causing significant problems in your life. Address the problem directly caused by your internet usage.

Questions to ask self! How often do you surf the web? How do you feel with out your phone? Have you ever found yourself in any Social Networks? – Facebook – MySpace –  How about During Class?

Psychological Symptoms Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer Inability to stop the activity Craving more time at the computer Neglecting family and friends Feeling empty, depressed and irritable when not at the computer Lying to family and friends about activities Problems with school or work

Physical Symptoms Carpal tunnel syndrome Dry eyes Migraine headaches Backaches Eating irregularities, such as skipping meals Neglecting personal hygiene Sleep disturbances and changes in sleep patterns

Is Internet addiction a Disorder? (IAD) ITS NOT a real disorder Psychiatrist Ivan Goldberg – Pathological gambling as his model Patients admit wanting to recover from obsessive computer use – Alcoholics – Drug Addicts  Insurance companies do not reimburse for treatment

How Complex is the Issue? Online Gaming Texting MySpace Facebook Bebo Friendster Hi5 Orkut Perfspot Yahoo Zorpia.com Netlog

Most Popular Available in 15 languages Average user has 130 friends. 350 million users access the site. – That’s more people in the U.S Has more then 110 million monthly active users 1 in 4 Americans is on MySpace Must be age 14 to create an account. Both Are Free to Join!

Online Gaming 72% of People in the U.S Play Video Games. 42% of those play online games Games Star Craft Lord of the rings online World of Warcrafts – 11 Million players online

Facts Texting 20% of teens say they have taken nude pictures of themselves 80% of mobile phone users carry their phone all the times “Sexting”—sending graphic images, pornographic videos and text to friends -Can go to jail -Up to 10 years

King of SMS "The razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human."

Facts to Consider Internet 2 out of 3 of years olds have computer access in their rooms Most time is spend at home – 91% 2009 – Boys are more online

Social Networking Dangers “One Stop shopping for sexual predators and they can shop by catalogue” Parry Aftab, Internet lawyer and safety expert: Online Bulling Lack of social Skills Obesity is on the rise Online predators Sexting

Tips Teens Make sure you really know who someone is before you add them. That cute 14-year old boy may not be cute, may not be 14 and may not be a boy! You never know! Put everything under a password Check your friends profiles Parents Take Control of your Childs computer If your child is shy or socially awkward with peers, consider a social skills class Keep your computer in a public area of your house, not in a child's bedroom Investigate software that monitors and restricts

For More Help Visit CSDA website – Wiredsafety.org

Questions & Answers

Just Remember! BE THE PARENT! Set time limits Be involved Ask questions What you post on the web stays forever

Credits  today.msnbc.msn.com  Wiredsafety.org  Nytimes.com  Guinnessworldrecords.com  Gamespot.com  CSDA