ScreenRetriever’s Online Safety Blog
Violent Content, Violent Video Games and Violent Behavior
Recently there was a diabolical attack on a twelve year old girl in Wisconsin. Two girls lured their “friend” into the woods and then stabbed her nineteen times supposedly to impress a nightmarish, fictional online character known as Slender Man. Slender Man can be found on the horror story site, www.creepypasta.com. Since this tragedy the website has taken a step to caution users, by posting this: “This website contains fictional content that may be too scary for younger readers. Please verify that you are either at least 18 years of age or have parental permission before proceeding.” ...
read moreBuried in Your Smartphone While Watching the Kids?
Parents distracted by their smartphones… How many of us have felt compelled to check and respond to messages or other activities on our computer devices when we’re supposed to be paying attention to our kids? Lots of hands are being raised (virtually) I’m sure! This study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found you’re not alone. Recently, while on vacation my husband and I were sitting on our balcony enjoying the beautiful ocean view, palm trees, and sandy beach. Two young children with a soccer ball appeared, with their Dad in tow. Mom was no where to be...
read moreThe Long-Lasting Impact of Bullying
The Long-Lasting Impact of Bullying We read about the horrific affects of bullying in the news almost on a daily basis. Extreme cases of cyberbullying can lead to suicide which fortunately is the rare exception. But nevertheless, bullying is serious and leaves scars on it’s victims for years to come. The results of a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry that spanned five decades found “children who are bullied and especially those who are frequently bullied continue to be at risk for a wide range of poor social, health, and economic outcomes nearly four decades after...
read moreCheck-in On Your Child’s Online Activity But Not Secretly!
Most Parents Are Checking Their Child’s Social Networking Activity, but Secretly! A survey by Eset found that a majority of parents are secretly checking on their children’s social networking activity. While I absolutely believe that parents need to check in on their children’s online activity and behavior, for safety reasons, I’m not in favor of spying. Parental awareness is key in our digitally driven world. It’s crucial for parents to know what’s happening in their child’s online world, to understand the risks and to have continual conversations about appropriate device use, activity...
read moreDO NOT TRACK MY CHILD
Legislation Hasn’t Kept up with Today’s Vast Online World! Today’s children are connected to the internet almost 24/7. The online world and offline world are one and the same for kids today. Yet laws such as COPPA (1998) designed to protect minors online are out dated and have not kept pace with changes in their vast online world. Apps were unheard of in 1998 and Facebook was founded in 2004. Growing Privacy Risk Children and teens face a growing risk to their privacy as the lucrative revenue stream from targeted advertising built around tracking children’s online activities tramples...
read moreParent APP-roved?
Remember the game “whack-a-mole”? In case you don’t, it’s an arcade game in which moles pop up from their holes at random. The goal of the game is to whack each mole back into their holes by hitting them with a mallet. The quicker this is done, the higher the score. Today’s online world reminds me of this game, but it’s called whack-an-app, and it’s our new reality, not a game. New apps seem to be popping up faster than moles and faster than parents can keep up with. Many apps also change their names, seemingly overnight. An app I describe below used to be called...
read moreWhat Are the Risks When Your Child Goes Online?
What Are the Risks When Your Child Goes Online? The internet has changed our lives in mostly positive ways, but it’s not a friendly, safe place if you let your guard down. Parents need to pay attention to what their children are doing online and how they’re behaving online. Here are some of the risks kids online are exposed to: Advertising: Targeted/Inappropriate – Many social networking sites and apps are free for user’s. Their revenue is based on targeted advertising. These sites, such as Facebook gather user data and then target the user with ads pertaining to the info they’ve...
read moreYour Child Comes to You Saying They’re Being Cyberbullied, Now What?
What do you do if your child tells you they’re being cyberbullied? Be Calm, Be Caring and Loving Don’t Over React – You want your child to feel safe when they come and talk to you about any thing that is upsetting them. Validate your child’s feelings. You need to let them know that you are taking what they are saying and the threat seriously. Don’t dismiss it! Let them know that you are on their side and that you will be there for them to deal with the situation. Obtain the facts of the situation. Get your child’s version...
read moreLaws Not Keeping Pace with Today’s Digital World!
Charges dropped against teacher sexting student in the name of free speech! A Texas court dismissed charges against a teacher for sexting a 13 year old student multiple times, 688 times in one week – to be precise. “According to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, an appeals court ruling found those text messages to be protected speech.” Apparently, an adult sending inappropriate sexualized messages to young teens is an expression of free speech unless they specifically solicit the teen to have sex or meet or they are considered “obscene.” Clearly the laws have not kept...
read moreApps, Apps Everywhere! Are You Aware?
Do you know what apps your kids are using? Recently an app calledPlastic Surgery & Plastic Doctor & Plastic Hospital Office for Barbie was removed from the Apple Store, iTunes (owned by Apple) and Google Play. The app encouraged girls to perform procedures such as liposuction on a doll because as the app described, “This unfortunate girl has so much extra weight that no diet can help her.” The app said that “liposuction will make her slim and beautiful once the extra fat is sucked out.” This game gave girls the message that they should do what ever it takes to be slim, and their...
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