Dangers of Using Social Networking Websites For Teens
Once you a responsible parent of a teenager, there is always every good chance that you will be worried about the safety of the teenager on the internet. This is expected of you as a conscious parent who cares for the welfare of his child. Although the internet has nowadays developed for the better. this development has also negatively made it easier for people to access the internet and pretend to be someone that they are not. This may be someone who you may likely not be interested in socializing with your child. For that reason, you are strongly advised, for safety reason to take necessary steps towards protecting your child and shielding from dangers when they are online, particularly when they are members of an online social networking websites.
Have you heard about Online social networking websites before? If you are not an internet user yourself, it is very possible that you are altogether unaware of social networking websites, what they are, and how they work. Therefore the first step you, as a parent, should take in safeguarding your teen is to acquaint yourself with the Online social networking websites.
Social networking websites are online communities whose basic aim is to connect internet users with each other. It is however regrettable that these social networks have now become fertile avenue for many online predators. These online predators are after teenagers and it is very probable that your teen may be one of their victims.
When you develop the interest in protecting your child, your first thought may be to totally prohibit your teen from using online networking websites. You are the parent, and so you can do anything that you believe; however, there is really no need to. Despite the fact that networking websites are risky, they are nonetheless relatively safe, even for teenagers. However, for your teenager to be safe and stay safe online, he needs to know what he should avoid and who he should be on the lookout for. Basically, what this means is that they best way to protect your teenage child from online predators is to give them necessary information on the danger that is in online social networking websites.
Tthe first things that you should educate your child on is who they are talking or chatting with online. Although they may not want to reveal the person to you, you need to emphasize the importance of why you need to know who they are chatting with. Since the basic function of social networks is to connect individuals who do not physically know each other it may appear out of the question, but this can be done. It is the duty of your child to fully read and make effort to understand what is contained in their friend’s online profiles. This will keep them aware of any inconsistent stories or any incorrect information. You should instruct your teen that they need to terminate the conversation immediately if they learn that their supposed friend is being dishonest.
It is also important, in addition to knowing who your teen is chatting with, to learn what they are chatting about. Your teenager may not likely want to give you a direct answer concerning who they are talking to. It is important for you as a responsible parent to let them know what is suitable for them and what is not notwithstanding if you are unable to get an answer out of them. Tell them to know that it is best to totally avoid individuals who are interested in sexual issues, drugs, and other illegal or shameful activities. Although it is very likely that they enjoy having many online friends, there are plenty of other people, particularly teenagers, who are very much willing to have pleasant and innocent chats with them.
The last but not the least important thing to discuss with your teenager about social networking sites is arranging physical meetings with their online friends. Tell them that these meeting are not welcome. There have been numerous reported cases, over the past few years of online social network sites, about teenagers who are deceived to leave their homes in hopes of meeting a new friends, who they are supposed to be of their age. Disappointedly, many of these supposedly online friends turn out to be older and, in many cases, sexual predators or kidnappers. In case your teenage child wants to meet an online friend and you feel that they would with or without your permission, you may want to offer to go with them as a precautionary move. Of course, you have to be extra carefull and make sure all meet in a public place.
If only you can keep the above mentioned suggestions in mind, your child should still be able to use social network sites, but use them safely. In addition to the above mentioned safety concerns and precautionary measures, you may have your own way of monitoring and safeguarding your teenage child. Whether you do or not, it is of great significance that you keep your child aware of the risks that lie in wait for them on online social networking sites.
Abraham Saleh is a specialist on Internet networking and online dating, and also the founder of free online dating sites no subscription , Muslim Social Networking Site and free muslim dating site in Nigeria
Abraham Saleh is a specialist on Internet networking and online dating, and also the founder of free online dating sites no subscription http://yourslovely.com, Muslim Social Networking Site http://islamship.com and free muslim dating site in Nigeria http://nikahdating.com
Author Bio: Abraham Saleh is a specialist on Internet networking and online dating, and also the founder of free online dating sites no subscription , Muslim Social Networking Site and free muslim dating site in Nigeria
Category: Relationships
Keywords: Social Networking Websites,Social Networking,Networking Websites,security,risk