Social Networking

Many parents ask me about internet social networking and how they can stop it. Too often, I can see the fear in their eyes because they already feel like they are trying to catch-up or just do not quite understand. As a parent, I do wish you could just stop it, much like turning off a light switch. However, we all know that is not the world we live. Kids, who are already social, feed on the excitement and peer pressures of social networking technologies. Parents, who are fearful, need to become better educated so that to prepare and deal with the realities of the high tech world for which we all live.

The first point to understand is that there is no way to remove all the risk for your children’s activities whether it be online or offline. Think of it this way. Every day our children get in the car. Hopefully, all of them fasten their seatbelts, follow the rules of the road, and overall drive safely. However, that does not remove all the risk of a car accident. The internet is the same way. We can install filters, promote safety, and do all of the things to keep them safe. It doesn’t remove all the risk. It is important though that it does make them safer. You may not be able to stop social networking but you can make it safer.  Below are some resources to consider:

Parent Social Networking 101: The number one way to make your children safer online is to talk with other parents. Many parents have tried various techniques and can offer valuable advice. One idea would be to plan your own social networking party and invite a small group of parents to speak about computer issues in your home.

FRA Technology 101: One advantage of being a FRA parent is that you have access to technology resources that perhaps other schools do not. The FRA technology team is available to help answer your questions.  You can send an email , make a phone call (369-4627), or simply stop by the FRA help desk (located in the L.M. Crockett Library). We will make every effort to help your family make the good choices regarding internet safety. 

Speak with Your Dean: If you have a concern, please take a moment to speak with the Dean of each school. All of the deans have experience in dealing with some of the issues that you may be struggling with. For example, this year, Middle School Dean, Kathy Ball, via a parent request, scheduled a technology tea morning session to help speak about social networking. The interesting result of our morning session was the conversation with parents, who were willing to share their experiences with other parents.

Resource Links: There are a number of really good websites to help you make good choices for your family. Below are some interesting resources or do your own research:

Monitoring Software: 
1. http://www.eblaster.com/

Safety and Security:

1. http://www.isafe.org/
2. http://www.netsmartz.org/

Parent’s Guide to Social Networking: (.pdf downloads)

1. http://www2.state.id.us/AG/protecteens/ParentsGuideToSocialNetworking.pdf

2. http://www.makeitsecure.org/downloads/Parents_guide_to_social-networking_websites.pdf

Steve Compton, Director of Technology