How does social media shape teens’ behaviour?

DURING the school holidays some children use social media platforms and the internet with minimal parental supervision. That being said, some end up engaging in serious conversations with strangers which could possibly put their lives at risk.

Also read: Internet addiction – How much screen time is too much?

According to information from the SAPS, children are especially susceptible to the threats that the internet and social networking websites pose.

Parents are urged to teach children about internet safety and should be aware of their youngsters’ online habits, guiding them to appropriate websites to make sure that their children become safe and responsible users of social networking websites.

What are the dangers when using the internet and social media websites?

• False identities are easy to create. Making new friends online is easy and convenient but you cannot see who is at the other end of the computer. The internet makes it easy for someone to pose as anyone else in the world. 

• Not all information is private. Unfortunately, the information that is posted online is not always private. This means that anyone can view it. There are also online message boards that are indexed by the search engines. This means that others can view the conversations that were discussed, even years down the line.

• Internet predators.  Individuals who lie about their ages are often internet predators. They are the ones who target children. Unfortunately many children and their parents cannot tell who is an internet predator until it is too late, such as when the predators try to approach your child or contact them in person.

Also read: 7 ways to protect yourself from cybercrime

Internet safety tips for children

• Do not give out personal information, such as your address(es), telephone number(s), parents’ work address/telephone number(s) or the name and location of your school without your parents’ permission.
• Only accept followers you know. Do not let strangers follow you on social media websites or chat rooms, in the same way as you would not let a stranger follow you in real life.
• Tell your parents immediately if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Never agree to get together with someone you have “met” online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, be sure that it is in a public place and bring a parent along.
• Never send a person your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents.
• Do not respond to any messages that are mean or make you feel uncomfortable in any way. Tell your parents immediately.
• Do not give your passwords to anyone other than your parents, not even your best friends.
• Check with your parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly jeopardise your family’s privacy.
• Be a good online citizen and do not do anything to hurt other people or is against the law.

Also read: Equipping yourself with digital skills

Internet safety tips for parents

Every parent should be aware of some important internet and social media safety tips that could protect their children from potential harm. The internet can be a dangerous place and social media websites are no exception. There are several things you, the parent, can do to make sure your children can participate safely.

• Stay informed of the latest internet websites and the social media sites or apps that children make use of.
• Insist on knowing your child’s passwords and learn the common acronyms children use online and in text messages.
•  Spend time online with your child, whether at home, at the library or at a computer centre in your community. Your involvement in your child’s life, including his or her online life, is the best insurance you can have for your child’s safety.
• Move your child’s computer into a family room or a frequently used room: In fact, your child should be able to use a shared family computer. This tends to limit the visiting of potential dangerous chat rooms and social networking websites, as most teens prefer to view these sites in private.
• Talk to your child about the dangers of the internet.  Let them know that it is possible to meet Internet predators online, especially with the use of private chat rooms or social networking websites.

Some social media acronyms that parents should know

Most of the acronyms listed below have sexual meanings and motives behind them and may be used by predators.

GNOC – Get Naked On Cam
TDTM – Talk Dirty To Me
NIFOC – Naked In Front Of Computer
PAW – Parents Are Watching
PIR – Parent In Room
POS – Parent Over Shoulder
CD9/Code 9 – Parent/Adult around
ASL(R P) – Age Sex Location (Race/Picture)
(L)MIRL  – (Let us) meet in real life
MOS – Mom Over Shoulder
P911 – Parent emergency
PRON – Porn
S2R – Send To Receive (pictures)
FYEO – For Your Eyes Only

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