 By: Mallory Mayert & Brooke Atkins

 Introduction Introduction  Why This Topic? Why This Topic?  Harmful Effects Harmful Effects  How to Choose A Safe Social Networking How to Choose A Safe Social Networking  What To Do If Your Child Joins a Social Network? What To Do If Your Child Joins a Social Network?  Safe Social Networks For Children Safe Social Networks For Children  Any Questions? Any Questions?

 It’s only natural that children want to join the trend of social networking.  Social networking is based on a certain structure allowing people to express themselves and meet people with similar interests.  The structure includes: o Profile: containing basic information about yourself. o Friends: people that are allowed to post comments to you and send you messages. o Groups: allow you to find people with similar interests (ex. Ning, Facebook Ed. group.) o Discussions: interactions between groups o Blogs: personal information keeping other informed and updates with your activities/life.

 Social networking is growing and is becoming more and more popular especially within our schools.  Social networking is attracting younger children as they are lying about their ages.  As teacher we want to address these issues with parents as it does take places at home.  Overall, we want to address these dangers involved with Social Networking and make them aware of the permanency of the things posted.

 Privacy: Young children are more likely to post personal information because they don’t fully understand the consequences.  Exposure to inappropriate content: allows an opportunity to come across inappropriate advertising or websites by clicking on links.  Cyber bullying: children are not mature enough to withstand name calling which can cause major damage psychologically.

 Strangers: children tend to sway towards people with similar interests. Children also have the tendency to compete with one another for a high amount of “friends.”  Cyber Stalking: simple pictures can reveal a lot. It can say things such as: what there home looks like, what school they attend, what they look like and information about their friends/family.  Brain Changes: children that use social networking sites experience a lack of attention and a shaky sense of identity.

 It’s Permanent: Anything done online will leave a trace. Years from now, those things can be seen by potential employers or colleges which can have a negative effect.

1) How can I keep my child safe? 2) How often does the website monitor content? 3) Does the website have clear safety, security and privacy policies posted online? 4) Will my child be exposed to any inappropriate content in the form of advertising or links? 5) What will my child learn? 6) Will I be notified of any dangerous activity?

1) Discuss why they want to use it? And what they plan to add? 2) Talk about online safety basics, what information should be private. 3) Check their privacy settings. 4) Discuss harmful effects 5) Take advantage of parental control features on your computer 6) Review your child’s friend list

 Club Penguin Club Penguin  Webkinz Webkinz  Whyville Whyville  Facechipz Facechipz  Kidzrocket Kidzrocket