Tips on Internet Safety For Young Kids and Teens
Team Amber News Alert Important Message Team Amber Alert News (Atlanta GA) -- Dear Parents, Friends and Families,October 13th is the 18th Birthday of Taylor Behl her family had a viewing today in her hometown of Vienna. On October 14th, Friends and Family will gather to celebrate her life on the same day they will bury her. Taylor Behl, was freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University, who went missing a month ago. Police believe that a person she met over the internet stalked and killed her. "Be careful what you put out there", cautions Behl's parents. No amber alerts, no amount of prevention could have saved her once she was online and exposed in chat rooms. The Behl's say that there is a lesson parents everywhere can take from their daughter's death. I think a lot of parents are probably in similar situations, in not knowing exactly what is going on with their kids. Other parents are becoming aware as well. So, if there's any bright light or legacy of Taylor's death, it's perhaps that parents will take the time to sit down with their kids and understand exactly what's being put out there, and open up a dialogue with them. So, I encourage everyone that can read this to take this day, this weekend and make Taylor's legacy a reality. Please sit down with your kids, do it now, and talk to them about internet safety. Don't know where to start? I'll put some suggestions at the bottom and websites you can use. Think your kids are too young?? If they can type on a computer than they are at risk. It is never to early to talk to your kids about their safety. You tell your kids not to talk to strangers, why is the internet any different? 1. Get to know the services your kids are using. If your kid is on-line, then it is a must that you become computer literate yourself. 2. Get to know your child's "On-line friends" just as you would any other friend. Regularly check out their Buddy lists for any new Buddies. 3. Never give out your real name, your school, address or any other identifying information to anyone in a chat room. You never know who else may be lurking in the chat room. 4. Do not allow your child to have an Online Profile. Talk to your kids about what is appropriate information and language. 5. Your child should never arrange a face to face meeting with anyone on-line. Even if they think that it is another child aparent must always be present if you should allow such a meeting. There are many resources out there for parents, and its very important that parents know about web sites and chat rooms where a child or teen post personal messages its important that you know what they are posting. You can print out their Internet and Cell phone Safety Book, young kids can color it.This book is a helpful tool for talking to your kids about internet safety. Also, many local police stations have Internet Safety Officers.Arrange a field trip for your Scout Troop or Soccer club to have an officer speak to kids about the dangers out there do this when they are young! Don't wait! Please forward this warning to all your friends.Take the time now to get educated. Sincerely, Jody Maddox Team Amber Alert News Director http://www.teamamberalert.net/news/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=10203&mode=&order=0&thold=0