NICOLE STACEY, MSW, LISW-S MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOL Social Media and Your Teen
Online Means… Computers Laptops Cell phones MP3 players Gaming devices (Xbox, PlayStation, et.al.) E-readers Tablets Anything that has internet connection
What do your children do online?
Facebook Instagram Twitter Vine Reddit Yik Yak Google+ Tumblr Kik Snapchat Pheed Wanelo 4Chan OooVoo Just 14 apps to think about
Exposure to inappropriate content Posting personal or inappropriate information Online predators Sexting Cyberbullying Internet Safety Risks
Inappropriate Information Pranks Offensive language Threats of violence Underage drinking or drug use Hate speech Overtly sexual images and language
What You Can Do About Inappropriate Information Establish expectations for online behavior Set consequences for inappropriate posts Talk about appropriate usernames Review comments and pictures Talk about what their friends are posting
Tracking Teresa video
What You Can Do About Online Predators Establish rules about what they can share Learn about reporting options Help them set privacy settings (or have them help YOU) Help them create strong passwords Talk about friends lists
What is it? Why are they sexting? Sending or posting nude or partially nude images 4% of teens have sexted 15% say they have received a sext To be funny To impress a crush To share with a boyfriend or girlfriend Sexting
Consequences of Sexting Humiliation Bullying Blackmail School discipline Police involvement
What You Can Do about Sexting Talk about the consequences Tell them to never forward a sexting image Discuss healthy sexual relationships Talk about the ways an image can spread online Report it!
Examples Difference between cyberbullying and bullying Sending mean texts Photoshopping pictures Creating fake profiles Posting fight videos Spreading rumors and gossip Posting embarrassing pictures Sending threatening or harassing comments Spreads faster Wider audience Follows children home Cyberbullying
They might: What can I do? Stop using the computer or cell phone Act nervous when receiving an , IM or text Seem uneasy about going to school Withdraw from friends and family Save the evidence Block cyberbullies Set up new accounts Talk to the school Report it How do I know if my child is being cyberbullied?
Suspicious behaviors What can I do? Quickly switches screens or programs Uses the computer at all hours Gets unusually upset if they cannot use the computer Laughs excessively while online Avoids discussions about what they are doing Uses multiple online accounts Establish expectations for online behavior Set consequences for cyberbullying Model good online behavior How do I know if my child is doing something inappropriate?
Tech Options Install filtering and monitoring software Consult your cell phone provider Research options for other mobile devices Look at individual apps Explore built-in security features
Questions?