Social Media & Cell Phones What RCS Parents Need to Know

Social Networking on the RIse A study found that 22 percent of teenagers log onto their favorite social media sites more than 10 times a day, and that 75 percent own cell phones. The risks: Cyberbullying Exposure to inappropriate content Sexting Higher levels of anxiety and depression Just as we prepare our kids for life in the real world, we should prepare them for life in the online world. 

Benefits to Social media Increases communication Provides access to information Helps develop a sense of self

What’s That App?

Social Media & the Law Everything on social media is possible evidence. Bullying Harassment SEXTING Law enforcement can subpoena social media companies and cell phone providers for data.

The Need to Know about SEXTING It is against the law for a juvenile to: Ask to receive a nude photo Send a nude photo Distribute a nude photo Teach your children the following: If you receive a nude photo, you have two options: •DO NOT resend the photo •DO NOT bring the photo/phone to school •DO NOT show the photo to anyone other than the adult who will help you report it

Your Child’s Cell Phone Students are not required to have a cell phone at school Parents should be monitoring and limiting their child’s cell phone usage

Tips for Cell Phone Usage Create ground rules Monitor the pictures your child posts online Limit cell phone and online use Teach kids about an online reputation Talk to kids about online dangers Be a good example of how to use social media in a positive way

Resources for Parents Protect your kids on MULTIPLE devices from anywhere Monitor CHATS and APPLICATIONS Set TIME LIMITS on internet and chat use Monitor LOCATIONS RESTRICT and BLOCK inappropriate content   Online Child Safety with Puresight - www.puresight.com Safety Solution - www.netnanny.com Protection for Kids, Sanity for Parents with Netsanity – www.netsanity.net Parental Control with Mobile Fence - www.mobilefence.com Connect to the World Safely with Norton Family Premier – https://us.norton.com/ Monitor Your Child’s Smartphone Activity with Phone Sherriff - www.phonesheriff.com