For kids and teens today, the internet is fully integrated into their lives. Whether using it to do homework, gaming or for keeping up with friends, there are so many ways in which we interact with large amount of information that the internet puts at our fingertips. This interaction involves us creating more and more of the content online, but unfortunately, this also means that those who would use the web for devious purposes have more access to our personal information as well. Especially personal info posted by kids and teens who think they are only sharing this information with their friends, but in fact are leaving a door wide open for any one to learn private their details, and potentially putting themselves and their families at risk.
These days you can never be entirely sure of just who might be accessing your info. Kids and teens need to keep these dangers in mind so they think about the things they are putting up on the internet, to keep private information private, and particularly out of not so friendly hands. Check out the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)’s CyberTipline for more details on how you and your teens can keep smart about using the internet, as well as more information on the NCMEC, Department of Justice, and Ad Council’s “Think Before You Post” campaign.
Also, check out our post, Safer Social Networking for Teens, for additional tips to help keep your family safe on the internet.
8 Comments on "Think Before You Post"
Joel Johnson
I live in Iowa in a second floor apartment with stairs on the outside leading up the my door. I have a dead bolt lock and a regular door lock but for some reason i still dont feel safe. I live in a nice neighboorhood and all and i dont know why im having this feeling and dont know what to do about it. I dont have a lot of money for a security system and i work three job and go to college full time. Any tips that you could give me to help maybe.
not unhelpful joel johnson
Hey Fort Dodge- Joel Johnson -
I am sorry you feel unsafe. I have never posted on any site before, but could not believe the insensitive post directed at you from not joel johnson.
Although he is right about people who really do want to do harm, there ARE ways to protect yourself and it seems you are doing most of them. Most importantly you are aware of your surroundings and locking your doors. Do not have persons over at your apartment unless you know them extremely well and get to know your neighbors, maybe get involved or start a neighborhood watch in your area. If you continue to feel unsafe you could begin to carry pepper-spray (you can buy it at Army-Navy stores) and maybe talk to someone at your college. Hopefully you are just having some temporary anxiety, but it is good you are reaching out to others for support.
Also just thought I would mention, FANTASTIC JOB going to college full time and supporting yourself! Good luck -
a mom in NY
Barbara Cote
It is very important that funding is given to the John Walsh Act. Children are so often being the victims more and more each day and, no matter what, it seems not enough can be done. I t is almost like someone has to be with them 24/7 and it is almost if not at all possible. We must get these predators off the street and where they belong–behind bars.
chandra martin
I am a mother of five and i am surround around sexual predator and they are 2 blocked away form the shool and my house and my kids walked up the streets every morning were the predator stayed at and that is not good and also it is high crime area and i fell unsafe for my family and i try to protected them the best way I CAN ME AND FIANCE SLEEP AND THE LIVINGROOM JUST TO PROTECTED THEM AND WE SLEEP WITH ARE 9MM WITH US INCASE AN THING HAPPEN WE BOTH GOING TO KILLED THEM AND WE REGISTER THEM WITH THE LOCAL SHREIFF OFFICE JOEL DO WHAT EVER YOU HAVE TO PROTECT YOUR SAFE FOR THEM EVIL PEOPLE WHO DONT CARE ABOUT THEM SAFE HONEY PRAYED TO GOD IN KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND I GUARUNTEED YOU HE GOING TO PRTECTED YOU FROM THAT EVIL SPRITEDAND KEEP YOU A JOB FOR YOU WANTED GET CAUGHT UP AND THAT BAD ENVIROMENT OUT THERE STAY IN DOOR IF YOUHAVE TO LOVE YOU GOD BLESSED YOU BYE PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dora V.M.
Hi Joel,
Well, I Suggest you place your furniture next to windows. Also try to make friends with “all” your next door neighbors, they will hopefully alert you in case something’s wrong. Also, If you are able to, purchase a gun, this way you can feel safe in case some “nutcase” comes in trying to harm you. Well that’s all I think. Goodbye…..
Julie Simmons
I think this web pageis terrific!!! SafteyCente. Especially the page on Teens & the Internet. What I dont agree with is that Facebook web site.Talk about a open invitation for predators to lurk on.The information these kids give out.Also the pictures of themselves.Its a danegerous web page. For kids to be lure in to.Anyway thats my felings on that web ste Face Book.Keep up the Great work John Walsh.Sincerely, Julie Simmons……
Melinda
I know firsthand how dangerous posting personal information online is. i did it and it almost cost me in the long run. i was fortunate to have caught it in time but thats not always gonna happen. my advice to anyone is to go with your gut feeling. if that gut feeling tells you dont post the information then dont post it. there are a lot of scammers out there in the world today
Concerned
I’m surprised that so many people use their full name! I don’t think that isa good idea. Please be careful.
Please Leave a Comment!