Sue Scheff: Have You Reviewed Your Teen’s Social Networking Site? Teen Expelled for FB Posting
by Sue Scheff on Jan 31, 2010
Just months away from graduation, 17 year-old Tennessee student, Taylor Cummings, was recently expelled from his high school. Why?
After weeks of butting heads with his coaches, Taylor, 17, logged on to the popular social networking site from home Jan. 3. He typed his frustrations for the online world to see: “I’ma kill em all. I’ma bust this (expletive) up from the inside like nobody’s ever done before.” - USA Today
A few nasty keystrokes and a click of the mouse and your life can be turned upside down! Whether you are a student, business owner, parent, or anyone that uses social networking, remember, what goes online – stays online.
Google Bomb, The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict That Changed the Way We Use the Internet, is an example of an adult being held accountable. Free speech does not condone defamation.
In many schools now there is a zero tolerance for these types of threats. We have had many sad endings with cyber threats, cyber suicides, cyberbullying, cyber stalking and other various ways that kids are hurting each other via keystrokes.
Taylor Cummings had a public profile on Facebook without any restrictions on who could see it. This in itself should be a wake-up call to many. Take the time to secure your privacy settings. Think twice before allowing your profile to be public.
Parents should take the time to review their children’s social networking sites. Especially those that have teens that will be applying to colleges. More and more colleges are using search engines to research their applicants. What is Google saying about you?
This is not about invading your child’s privacy, it is about protecting their future.
Take the time to maintain your online image and learn to stop, think and consider what you are about to post or send. Will it be considered threatening? Will it be considered defamatory? Is it targeted to hurt someone? Take the time to educate your children and teens about “what they post today, may haunt them tomorrow…”
Be an educated parent – you will have safer teens.
Read more on Examiner.
Tags: Cyber Safety, Facebook, Internet Safety, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Social Networking, Sue Scheff, Teen Postings
Sue Scheff: Teen Groundation – Taking Punishment to Facebook
by Sue Scheff on Jan 19, 2010
In a recent New York Times article, 15 year-old Tess Chapin of Sunnyside, Queens (New York), started a campaign on Facebook to convince her parents to remove her punishment. She was grounded for 5 weeks for missing her curfew by one hour and most importantly, drinking at a party. If you missed the first part, she is only 15 years-old, drinking is illegal for minors. Missing her curfew is blatant disrespect for her parents and their boundaries.
Besides the fact that her parent’s were probably worried sick, teenage drinking is prohibited, as well as the fact that Tess is very fortunate something worse didn’t happen to her (such has someone putting a drug in her drink). It is commendable that Tess is being diplomatic about her mission, however part of being a responsible parent is considered “parenting” - especially following through with consequences.
Will Tess succeed? It seems unlikely. The fact that this brings more awareness to parents being proactive in sticking to their consequences is empowering. Teenagers need to understand these curfews and rules are put in place for “their” safety. Someday when they become a parent, they will finally get it. Until then, we will watch as some teens will continue to attempt to bolt the parenting system.
Special thanks to New Jersey Family Magazine for sharing this story with me. Follow them on Twitter @NJFamilyMag. Also check out the variety of responses the NYT’s Blog has received.
Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens.
Also on Examiner.
Tags: Facebook, Internet, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Social Networking, Sue Scheff, Teen Drinking, Teen Issues
Sue Scheff: Parenting Solutions to Prevent Cyberbullying
by Sue Scheff on Jul 18, 2009
Parent Expert and Guru, Dr. Michele Borba, has listed some great tips that parents need to STOP, LISTEN, READ and LEARN! If you are raising kids today – it is likely they have access to at least one form of technology. Whether it is a cell phone, laptop, IPhone, Blackberry, etc… (or whatever new gadget that may be on the market today), we as parents, have a responsibility to educate ourselves on whatever our children are using. I am a huge fan of Dr. Michele Borba because she not only tells it like it is – she is “real” and speaks-writes in a language everyone can understand.
Michele Borba: 10 Parenting Solutions to Prevent Cyberbullying
By Michele Borba
Mom and Dad, wake up: If you assume your child is using that fancy home computer to stimulate his brain, think again. The hottest new trend has kids using those keyboards to send vile, hateful and highly slanderous messages about their peers through the Internet. Once confined to playgrounds, bullying has hit cyberspace, cell phones and pagers, and it’s both serious and sophisticated. So how do you protect your child from cyberbullying?
The first step is for parents to be aware of just how prevalent cyberbullying is these days. Where we once thought we just had to protect children from adult predators using the Internet, we now need to shield kids from one another.
Cyberbullying is most common around the middle school years, but is making its way into the younger set. Kids now a days are electronically savvy, but make no mistake: the behavior is all about intentionally causing another pain (bullying), and parents must be far more vigilante. The two biggest mistakes adults make is not taking children’s complaints seriously, and allowing bullying in the first place.
There are some specific ways to protect kids from bullying both in cyberspace and on the playground. Parents today need a closer “electronic leash” on their kids and need to be more tuned into the cyberspace trend. This isn’t about being controlling–this is good parenting.
The good news is that a recent study found that teaching children about unsafe online behavior and cyberbullying can actually reduce the impact.
Parents do make a difference! So here are solutions to start educating both you and your child about cyberbullying or if your child is cyberbullied.
1. Hold “the talk.” If your child isn’t talking about cyberbullying, don’t assume he hasn’t been affected. Start the discussion: “What have you heard about…?” “What are other kids saying…?” Let your child know you’re aware of this new trend and you are on the alert and are monitoring your computer.
2. State your values. Never assume your child understands why cyberbullying is cruel and wrong. Take time to explain: “In this house we believe in kindness. I expect you to be kind.” Be clear on your values.
3. Set clear “electronic” rules. “Never put anything on a cell phone, I-Message, website, email or pager that is hurtful.” “Never send anything you wouldn’t want said about you.” Research at the University of Maryland College of Education also found it helpful to teach kids thee KEEPS of Internet Safety: (Keep safe, Keep away and Keep telling).
4. Save evidence. Tell your child if he ever receives something that is hurtful, slanderous, hateful, to save or print the message. You may need it to identify the bully or contact their parents with evidence.
5. Block further communication. If your child is victimized change your phone number or e-mail account, and talk to your provider. Contact police for threats of violence and extortion.
6. Google your child. One tip is to periodically google your child’s name to see what (if anything) is being posted online. Just go to Google then put your child’s name in quotation marks and see if something comes up. Google can also send you email alerts.
7. Monitor that computer. Keep your computer in a central space and out of your kid’s bedroom. Or at least let your child know that having a computer is a PRIVILEGE and it may be taken away when rules or regulations are not followed. Let your child also know that you will log onto his account.
8. Pull the plug. If your child ever uses a cell phone, pager, answering machine, or fax, to send vicious gossip or hate, remove the electronic gizmo from your kid and pull the computer plug from power surge.
9. Teach assertive skills. Research finds that kids who learn how to be assertive and appear more confident are less likely to be targeted by bullies. In fact, studies show it’s often not how “different” your child looks or acts but rather her victim-like demeanor that makes her an easy target. So teach your child an arsenal of strategies she can use to defuse a bully and then practice with her until she feels confident in using them on her own.
10. Take your child seriously. This is painful stuff and your child needs your empathy and support. Watch your child carefully and tune into his or her emotional signs. Don’t let your child be victimized.
Get more Parenting Solutions by following @MicheleBorba on Twitter.
Don’t forget to pre-order her BIG Book of Parenting Solutions being released in September 2009.
Tags: Cyber Safety, Cyberbullying, Internet Safety, Michele Borba, Online Safety, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Books, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Social Networking, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Teens Wrapped in the Web
by Sue Scheff on Jul 16, 2009
Introduction
In today’s society, the Internet has made its way into almost every American home. It is a well-known fact that the web is a valuable asset for research and learning. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous place for teens. With social networking sites like Myspace and Friendster, chat rooms, instant messaging, and online role-playing video games, our children are at access to almost anyone. Sue Scheff, along with Parent’s Universal Resource Experts™, is tackling the dangers of the web.
Keeping tabs on our teens’ online habits doesn’t just keep them safe from online predators. More and more parents are becoming wary of the excessive hours their teens spend surfing the web, withdrawing from family, friends and activities they used to enjoy. Internet Addiction is a devastating problem facing far too many teens and their families. While medical professionals have done limited research on the topic, more and more are recognizing this destructive behavior and even more, the potential mental effects it can have.
Though the web is a great place for learning and can be safe for keeping in touch, it is important that families understand the potential risks and dangers to find a healthy balance between real and virtual life.
The Basics: The Dangers of Teen Internet Addiction
It’s clear that, for teenagers, spending too much time online can really deter social and educational development. The Internet world is such that there is always something new to do and to distract one from one’s responsibilities. We all do it- take ten minutes here or there to explore our favorite gossip or sports site. There is nothing wrong with using the Internet as a tool for research, news, and even entertainment. After all, the World Wide Web is the world’s most accurate, up to date resource for almost any type of information.
But as the Internet evolves and becomes more tailored to the individual, it grows increasingly easier to develop a dependency on it. This is especially true for teens- a group that tends to be susceptible to flashy graphics and easily enticed by the popularity of social networks. In a sense, the Internet is the new video game or TV show. It used to be that adolescents would sit in front of the TV for hours on end operating a remote, shooting people and racing cars. Now they surf the web. Teens are impressionable and can at times be improperly equipped to handle certain situations with a degree of reason and rationality. And although they may have good intentions, they might be at risk of coming across something inappropriate and even dangerous.
Sexual Predators
We’ve all heard the stories about children entering chat rooms who end up talking to someone older than them who may be looking for something more than merely a chat. These tales may sound far-fetched, or to some, even mundane, because of the publicity they’ve received, but as a parent it would be rather foolish to dismiss them as hearsay or as something that could never actually happen to your child. The fact is, these accounts of sexual predation are all too true and have caused some families a great deal of strain and fear. Even pre-adolescents have been known to join chat rooms. The reality is that there is no real way of knowing who might be in one at any given time. An even scarier thought is that these forums are often sexual predators’ main source of contact with young children. In fact, the popular TV show, [To Catch a Predator (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912603/)], employs someone to pose as a teen and entice these sex offenders. The show profiles the interactions between them all the way up until the actual meeting. Some of the situations portrayed are horrifying. If you’re the parent of a teen or pre-teen, make sure to monitor Internet activity with regards to chat rooms and educate your child on the potential dangers they present.
Sensitive Subject Matter
Human curiosity is perhaps at its peak during one’s teenage years. That curiosity is what aids teens in the growth and development process. It’s necessary for survival as an adolescent and can provide for some great discoveries and maturation. However, teen curiosity can also potentially lead a person into some questionable situations, and the Internet is a prime medium through which to quell one’s inquisitiveness. Let’s face it- teenagers are anxious to be knowledgeable about topics such as sex, drugs, and other dangerous subject matter.
Talking to your teen about these sensitive subjects before he or she has a chance to search online can be a great way to allay his or her need to surf the web for more information. The Internet might be an excellent tool for presenting interesting data, but it can also grossly misrepresent certain issues. If a teenager wants to learn about sex or drugs via the web, he or she might decide to do a search containing the words “sex” or, perhaps “marijuana.” The results your child might find may not necessarily be the type of educational, instructive material you’d hope they would receive. The Internet may be savvy, but one thing it’s not capable of doing is knowing who is using it at any given time and how to customize its settings. Talk to your children about subjects you feel are important before they have the chance to find out themselves. You never know what they might come across.
Limited Social Growth
There is no better time to experience new things and meet new people than during one’s teenage years. Getting outside, going to social gatherings, and just having a good time with friends are among some of the most productive and satisfying activities in which teenagers can engage. While the Internet can provide a degree of social interaction, online networks and connections cannot replace the benefits of in-person contact. Teen Internet Addiction is dangerous because it limits a person’s options when it comes to communication. Much of learning and growing as a teen comes from the lessons one learns through friendships, fights, disagreements, trends, popularity, etc.
The Internet has made it all too easy for teens to recoil from the pressures of adolescence and remain indoors. The lure of the web can often make it seem as though social networks and online gaming are acceptable substitutes for real life. Teens can find acceptance in chat rooms and message boards, while at school they might be complete outcasts. It’s easy for teenagers to rebuff the idea of interacting with their peers and risking rejection when the Internet can provide for a seemingly relaxed environment. Children need to know that Internet addiction and reliance on online forums will only stunt social growth and make life much more difficult in the future.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Internet dependency also inherently promotes a lifestyle that is not conducive to exercise and physical activity. Many teens tend to become so enthralled in games or chats that peeling them away from the computer can prove to be an ominous task. The entertainment the Internet can provide often trumps the option to leave the house and get exercise. Parents should encourage their teens to use the Internet for school projects and some degree of entertainment, but they should also limit the time that they are allowed to spend on the computer. Begin supporting your child’s involvement in sports teams at an early age and make outside activities fun and interesting. The earlier a child is introduced to the mental and physical benefits of outside activity, the more likely he or she is to avoid inside amusements such as the Internet, TV, and video games.
Nowadays it seems our whole lives can be conducted via the Internet. We can order, purchase, and have groceries delivered all with the click of a few buttons. We can play games, talk to people, find dates, and even attend AA meetings online. The Internet may have made our lives and their day-to-day processes exponentially easier to accomplish, but by the same token it has also increased our dependence on the advantages it can provide. The convenience it creates has been known to cause some people to recoil from outside situations, opting to conduct as much business as possible from home. We must be careful of this trend, especially with teenagers, for whom positive (and negative) social interaction help to form valuable personality and wisdom.
Learn more at my website on this topic – click here.
Tags: Cyber Safety, Cyberbullying, Internet Safety, Online Safety, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Teens, Parenting Teens Online, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Peer Pressure, Social Networking, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Should Students and Teachers Be Online “Friends”?
by Sue Scheff on Jul 13, 2009
What an interesting article from Education.com - and a question that I am sure many parents ask themselves. I don’t know if there is a right or wrong answer, personally it is sort of like having our Facebook page for our family and friends, then you have your business associates wanting to befriend. It is definitely something to think about. Personally, maybe the teachers want their private lives to remain private? Great article from Education.com as always!
Source: Education.com
by Cheri Lucas
In the virtual world, the definition of a student-teacher relationship is hazy, particularly on social networks like Facebook and MySpace, where adults and teens share the same forums to connect and keep in touch with friends, classmates, relatives, and co-workers. Chances are, your teen has already found her teachers on Facebook and sent friend requests to join their networks.
But is it appropriate for your child to “friend” a teacher on a social network? Terrence Jegaraj, a senior at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, primarily adds former teachers or instructors from summer programs in which he has participated. “I am friends on Facebook with a current teacher of mine, but there are teachers who tell us specifically not to add them until we graduate,” says Jegaraj.
Many of the teachers we asked, in fact, were reluctant to add students on Facebook. While a teacher can use some networking sites, such as Twitter, to extend a classroom discussion or offer quick homework assistance in 140 characters or less, networks like Facebook and MySpace easily blur the student-teacher relationship because of the personal information made available on profiles.
“I think that students and teachers have different personas in the classroom than outside of it, and the two should not necessarily be mixed,” says Heather Steed, a recent graduate of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla. As a student herself, Steed never added instructors on a social network until she completed their class.
“There needs to be a certain distance between teachers and students in order to maintain respect,” adds Rabbi Avi Schwartz, an educator at Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn, N.Y. “A teacher needs to be a role model, mentor, and advice giver – not a ‘friend.’” When a high school student gains access into a teacher’s network of friends and acquaintances and is able to view their family photos, for instance, the student-teacher dynamic is altered. “Friending students provides more information than you are willing to provide in an educational setting,” says Patrick Sweeney, an adjunct professor of history and government in Houston, Texas.
But student-teacher relationships can be transparent and visible to others online, which may have its pros and cons. Carlton Brown, a former community college instructor in Pittsburg, Pa, says interaction on a social network may be viewed and evaluated by classmates and others on the website, which, in turn, may deter inappropriate behavior. “Parents also have the opportunity to review and make judgments,” says Brown. If you have your own account on Facebook, you may opt to join your child’s teacher’s classroom group as a parent “chaperone,” for example, to supervise the discussion. (Based on current research, though, teens flock to Facebook because it’s mainly a parent-free space, so this type of supervision may not work for all families.)
Alternatives exist, however, for teachers and students who wish to enhance learning outside of the classroom via the Internet. Schwartz has helped many students with homework or studying via instant messaging, and even keeps in contact with parents this way. Other tools – such as online classrooms on sites such as Blackboard and forums within a school district’s website or teacher’s own webpage – make student-teacher interaction possible on the Web. Of course, don’t rule out more traditional methods to foster close student-teacher connections. “Appropriate relationships between teachers and students can be built by attending office hours or emailing for class-related advice,” says Steed.
While students may be eager to find and friend their teachers on Facebook, many of them understand the implied rules and boundaries of this virtual environment. “I do understand why my teachers do not want me to add them until I graduate,” says Jegaraj. “I think being friends with a teacher on Facebook while being their student may close the gap between the teacher-student relationship, and some teachers may not want this to happen while they are still teaching their students.”
Ultimately, sites like Facebook are social environments. Teachers guide students in a professional capacity, and being social doesn’t seem like part of the job description.
Cheri Lucas has her Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction. She was a writing aid at Corte Madera Middle School for six years. She is currently working as a freelance writer in San Francisco.
In the virtual world, the definition of a student-teacher relationship is hazy, particularly on social networks like Facebook and MySpace, where adults and teens share the same forums to connect and keep in touch with friends, classmates, relatives, and co-workers. Chances are, your teen has already found her teachers on Facebook and sent friend requests to join their networks.
But is it appropriate for your child to “friend” a teacher on a social network? Terrence Jegaraj, a senior at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, primarily adds former teachers or instructors from summer programs in which he has participated. “I am friends on Facebook with a current teacher of mine, but there are teachers who tell us specifically not to add them until we graduate,” says Jegaraj.
Many of the teachers we asked, in fact, were reluctant to add students on Facebook. While a teacher can use some networking sites, such as Twitter, to extend a classroom discussion or offer quick homework assistance in 140 characters or less, networks like Facebook and MySpace easily blur the student-teacher relationship because of the personal information made available on profiles.
“I think that students and teachers have different personas in the classroom than outside of it, and the two should not necessarily be mixed,” says Heather Steed, a recent graduate of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla. As a student herself, Steed never added instructors on a social network until she completed their class.
“There needs to be a certain distance between teachers and students in order to maintain respect,” adds Rabbi Avi Schwartz, an educator at Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn, N.Y. “A teacher needs to be a role model, mentor, and advice giver – not a ‘friend.’” When a high school student gains access into a teacher’s network of friends and acquaintances and is able to view their family photos, for instance, the student-teacher dynamic is altered. “Friending students provides more information than you are willing to provide in an educational setting,” says Patrick Sweeney, an adjunct professor of history and government in Houston, Texas.
But student-teacher relationships can be transparent and visible to others online, which may have its pros and cons. Carlton Brown, a former community college instructor in Pittsburg, Pa, says interaction on a social network may be viewed and evaluated by classmates and others on the website, which, in turn, may deter inappropriate behavior. “Parents also have the opportunity to review and make judgments,” says Brown. If you have your own account on Facebook, you may opt to join your child’s teacher’s classroom group as a parent “chaperone,” for example, to supervise the discussion. (Based on current research, though, teens flock to Facebook because it’s mainly a parent-free space, so this type of supervision may not work for all families.)
Alternatives exist, however, for teachers and students who wish to enhance learning outside of the classroom via the Internet. Schwartz has helped many students with homework or studying via instant messaging, and even keeps in contact with parents this way. Other tools – such as online classrooms on sites such as Blackboard and forums within a school district’s website or teacher’s own webpage – make student-teacher interaction possible on the Web. Of course, don’t rule out more traditional methods to foster close student-teacher connections. “Appropriate relationships between teachers and students can be built by attending office hours or emailing for class-related advice,” says Steed.
While students may be eager to find and friend their teachers on Facebook, many of them understand the implied rules and boundaries of this virtual environment. “I do understand why my teachers do not want me to add them until I graduate,” says Jegaraj. “I think being friends with a teacher on Facebook while being their student may close the gap between the teacher-student relationship, and some teachers may not want this to happen while they are still teaching their students.”
Ultimately, sites like Facebook are social environments. Teachers guide students in a professional capacity, and being social doesn’t seem like part of the job description.
Tags: Education.com, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Social Networking, Sue Scheff, Teen Issues
Sue Scheff: Plug in – Protect – Parent – Internet Safety
by Sue Scheff on Jun 10, 2009
First and foremost, as a parent, we want to protect our kids. Years ago we never even considered about this new concern of Internet Safety and where our kids surf online. Our protection was usually limited to our neighborhood, who are they talking on the landline phone with, and keeping their bikes safe. Today – we have cell phones, cars, laptops, IPods and so much more! What are they listening to, where are they going online, and where are they driving to and who are they meeting?! It can be overwhelming and extremely challenging for parents.
I recently discovered a new device that may help us to protect our kids online – since it offers a free 30 day trial, it seems it would be a great idea to see if this can help your protect and be aware of where your children are traveling in cyberspace.
PG Key - Plug in. Protect. Parent. Learn More: http://www.pgkey.com/
PG Key is a breakthrough for parents…
…or anyone worried about the dangers kids face online.peace of mind that the children they care about are protected.
It’s so easy to use, that any parent or grandparent can just plug it in, and in seconds, have
What is PG Key and how does it protect my kids from online dangers?
Parenting experts and law enforcement have made specific recommendations to keep kids safe online.
PG Key is a new, simple to use, all in one solution that lets parents follow the best advice from the experts. It’s a key. Just plug it into a USB port of your kids or family computer and PG Key provides 3 areas of protection.
| 1) | PG Key puts parents in control. It allows parents to control when their kids use the computer – and for how long! Remove the key and the computer can’t be used. Hours can be set on PG Key much like a cell phone. |
| 2) | PG Key engages our Safe Search content filtering. The approach of “white list” site blocking is too restrictive, and normally becomes so inconvenient and frustrating that parents disable it – PG Key Safe Search content filtering allows the freedom to search the web, but prevents most of the unwanted and dangerous content from showing up. Parents also have the ability to block certain websites from showing up. |
| 3) | PG Key creates accountability. Once kids know that their parents are no longer excluded from their “online lives” their behavior changes. That’s why the law enforcement and parenting experts recommend parental involvement as the best way to reduce on-line dangers. PG Key implements 10 parental control and notification features so that kids know they need to behave like they would in any other part of their life – where there are consequences to inappropriate behavior. |
How was PG Key created?
PG Key was created by a design and development team that includes industry experts with years of experience in creating powerful yet easy to use software applications. In addition to the experienced technical members, the team also includes representatives from law enforcement (an FBI agent that specializes in cyber crimes), education (a PHD that currently serves as a district superintendent), the medical community (an MD and current member of the American Board of Pediatrics) and many others … including ordinary, non-technical, but concerned parents.
Is PG Key easy to install and use?
PG key can be installed in just a few seconds. Just plug it into any USB port and when prompted enter a secure password. That’s it! After you have installed, an instructional video will launch and give you more detailed information about how to use PG Key. The video and FAQ’s can also be accessed any time by selecting help from the taskbar.
How does PG Key block unwanted content?
We’ve all had this happen. An innocent search on a subject results in embarrassing and unwanted websites and images. Google is the undisputed industry leader when it comes to innovative and powerful internet search technology. PG Key has partnered it’s technology with Google’s very effective filtering features and created the PG Key Safe Search home page that will ensure that innocent searches don’t result in unwanted images and content. While PG Key is in – Safe Search is on.
It’s highly recommended, but not required, that you use Internet Explorer version 7 or higher. This will set the search bar at the top of the page to use the PG Key safe search settings. It’s also recommended that other toolbars are removed. If you need assistance with any of these settings, our tech support staff is standing by to help.
Does PG Key block unwanted websites?
Yes. PG Key starts by referencing a universal black list of sites that are known to host damaging spyware or other unwanted content. Parents can add sites to this list from www.pgkey.com as they see fit. These settings are available from your private user account. If your child or teen visits a site that you don’t feel is appropriate, you’ll know about it, and you can easily make sure it doesn’t happen again. More important, PG key reminds kids that you, the parent, are informed of their online activities. If they wouldn’t do it with you over their shoulder, they likely won’t do it while PG Key is in.
What does PG Key record?
PG Key records up to 60 hours of all computer activity – Web activity, chat sessions, games, homework sessions, online or off. PG Key only records when activity takes place. It will stop recording when the computer is not being used.
PG Key will record the most recent 60 hours, the oldest recording is dropped off the as the newest gets added. For an average amount of computer activity this should give you months of information.
How does PG Key keep me in the loop?
Once you’ve activated your PG Key, you can set it to notify you via e-mail or to your cell phone when key words or phrases are used by your child or teen. It will also send periodic updates with information on weekly time used and other data.
Why is a device like PG Key better than some of the software or other solutions I hear about?
PG Key’s patent pending technology is the only solution that combines the best advice from the experts into a simple device that anyone can install and use in just a few minutes. And since it’s a key, kids can’t get around it.
My teens know a lot about computers, can they get around PG Key?
PG Key relies on the AES encryption standard, the same encrypted password and security protection used by government agencies. Any attempt to disable PG Key or even look for information online will be recorded. You can add the word “pg key” to your notification list so you’ll get an e-mail or text message if they look for any way around it.
We have more than 1 computer in our house.. Do I need a 2nd PG Key?
You will need 1 key per computer in your house that needs to be protected.
What happens if my PG Key is lost or damaged?
You can override with your secure password to use the computer, then, contact our support department. If you’ve activated your PG Key and are a registered user, we will ship you a new PG Key for only $10.00 plus s/h.
How do I learn more?
Our support department will gladly answer any questions you may have. You can send an e-mail to sales@pgkey.com or call at 1- 800-301-8698. Our office hours are M-F 8 to 5pm MST.
Tags: Cyber Safety, Internet Safety, Online Safety, Parenting, Parenting Online, Parenting Resources, Parents Universal Resource Experts, PG Key, Social Networking, Sue Scheff, Teen Help, Teen Issues
Sue Scheff: Teen Internet Addiction
by Sue Scheff on Jun 08, 2009
WRAPPED IN THE WEB – Teen Internet Addiction
By Sue Scheff
Introduction
In today’s society, the Internet has made its way into almost every American home. It is a well-known fact that the web is a valuable asset for research and learning. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous place for teens. With social networking sites like Myspace and Friendster, chat rooms, instant messaging, and online role-playing video games, our children are at access to almost anyone. Sue Scheff, along with Parent’s Universal Resource Experts™, is tackling the dangers of the web.
Keeping tabs on our teens’ online habits doesn’t just keep them safe from online predators. More and more parents are becoming wary of the excessive hours their teens spend surfing the web, withdrawing from family, friends and activities they used to enjoy. Internet Addiction is a devastating problem facing far too many teens and their families. While medical professionals have done limited research on the topic, more and more are recognizing this destructive behavior and even more, the potential mental effects it can have.
Though the web is a great place for learning and can be safe for keeping in touch, it is important that families understand the potential risks and dangers to find a healthy balance between real and virtual life.
The Basics: The Dangers of Teen Internet Addiction
It’s clear that, for teenagers, spending too much time online can really deter social and educational development. The Internet world is such that there is always something new to do and to distract one from one’s responsibilities. We all do it- take ten minutes here or there to explore our favorite gossip or sports site. There is nothing wrong with using the Internet as a tool for research, news, and even entertainment. After all, the World Wide Web is the world’s most accurate, up to date resource for almost any type of information.
But as the Internet evolves and becomes more tailored to the individual, it grows increasingly easier to develop a dependency on it. This is especially true for teens- a group that tends to be susceptible to flashy graphics and easily enticed by the popularity of social networks. In a sense, the Internet is the new video game or TV show. It used to be that adolescents would sit in front of the TV for hours on end operating a remote, shooting people and racing cars. Now they surf the web. Teens are impressionable and can at times be improperly equipped to handle certain situations with a degree of reason and rationality. And although they may have good intentions, they might be at risk of coming across something inappropriate and even dangerous.
Sexual Predators
We’ve all heard the stories about children entering chat rooms who end up talking to someone older than them who may be looking for something more than merely a chat. These tales may sound far-fetched, or to some, even mundane, because of the publicity they’ve received, but as a parent it would be rather foolish to dismiss them as hearsay or as something that could never actually happen to your child. The fact is, these accounts of sexual predation are all too true and have caused some families a great deal of strain and fear. Even pre-adolescents have been known to join chat rooms. The reality is that there is no real way of knowing who might be in one at any given time. An even scarier thought is that these forums are often sexual predators’ main source of contact with young children. In fact, the popular TV show, [To Catch a Predator (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912603/)], employs someone to pose as a teen and entice these sex offenders. The show profiles the interactions between them all the way up until the actual meeting. Some of the situations portrayed are horrifying. If you’re the parent of a teen or pre-teen, make sure to monitor Internet activity with regards to chat rooms and educate your child on the potential dangers they present.
Sensitive Subject Matter
Human curiosity is perhaps at its peak during one’s teenage years. That curiosity is what aids teens in the growth and development process. It’s necessary for survival as an adolescent and can provide for some great discoveries and maturation. However, teen curiosity can also potentially lead a person into some questionable situations, and the Internet is a prime medium through which to quell one’s inquisitiveness. Let’s face it- teenagers are anxious to be knowledgeable about topics such as sex, drugs, and other dangerous subject matter.
Talking to your teen about these sensitive subjects before he or she has a chance to search online can be a great way to allay his or her need to surf the web for more information. The Internet might be an excellent tool for presenting interesting data, but it can also grossly misrepresent certain issues. If a teenager wants to learn about sex or drugs via the web, he or she might decide to do a search containing the words “sex” or, perhaps “marijuana.” The results your child might find may not necessarily be the type of educational, instructive material you’d hope they would receive. The Internet may be savvy, but one thing it’s not capable of doing is knowing who is using it at any given time and how to customize its settings. Talk to your children about subjects you feel are important before they have the chance to find out themselves. You never know what they might come across.
Limited Social Growth
There is no better time to experience new things and meet new people than during one’s teenage years. Getting outside, going to social gatherings, and just having a good time with friends are among some of the most productive and satisfying activities in which teenagers can engage. While the Internet can provide a degree of social interaction, online networks and connections cannot replace the benefits of in-person contact. Teen Internet Addiction is dangerous because it limits a person’s options when it comes to communication. Much of learning and growing as a teen comes from the lessons one learns through friendships, fights, disagreements, trends, popularity, etc.
The Internet has made it all too easy for teens to recoil from the pressures of adolescence and remain indoors. The lure of the web can often make it seem as though social networks and online gaming are acceptable substitutes for real life. Teens can find acceptance in chat rooms and message boards, while at school they might be complete outcasts. It’s easy for teenagers to rebuff the idea of interacting with their peers and risking rejection when the Internet can provide for a seemingly relaxed environment. Children need to know that Internet addiction and reliance on online forums will only stunt social growth and make life much more difficult in the future.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Internet dependency also inherently promotes a lifestyle that is not conducive to exercise and physical activity. Many teens tend to become so enthralled in games or chats that peeling them away from the computer can prove to be an ominous task. The entertainment the Internet can provide often trumps the option to leave the house and get exercise. Parents should encourage their teens to use the Internet for school projects and some degree of entertainment, but they should also limit the time that they are allowed to spend on the computer. Begin supporting your child’s involvement in sports teams at an early age and make outside activities fun and interesting. The earlier a child is introduced to the mental and physical benefits of outside activity, the more likely he or she is to avoid inside amusements such as the Internet, TV, and video games.
Nowadays it seems our whole lives can be conducted via the Internet. We can order, purchase, and have groceries delivered all with the click of a few buttons. We can play games, talk to people, find dates, and even attend AA meetings online. The Internet may have made our lives and their day-to-day processes exponentially easier to accomplish, but by the same token it has also increased our dependence on the advantages it can provide. The convenience it creates has been known to cause some people to recoil from outside situations, opting to conduct as much business as possible from home. We must be careful of this trend, especially with teenagers, for whom positive (and negative) social interaction help to form valuable personality and wisdom.
Check out the Current Trend, Finding a Healthy Balance and more on my Wrapped in the Web website.
Tags: Computer Addiction, Internet Addiction, Internet Gossip, Parenting, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Teens, Parenting Teens Online, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Social Networking, Sue Scheff, Teen Internet Addiction
Sue Scheff: Intelligent Solutions for the Busy Families
by Sue Scheff on Jun 07, 2009
Wow – who can’t relate to this today?
The challenges and pressures parents face in today’s fast-paced world are far different from those just a generation ago. According to Pew Research Center, the majority of people say parents today have a tougher job than parents 20 years ago. Family life has changed.
Fortunately, families are not forced to tackle these responsibilities unprepared and hope for the best. Respected authors continually publish books that provide insights on managing the daily efforts to raise children and strengthen families.
However, no single book covers all the issues or solves all the problems associated with parenting and marriage. In addition, super-busy families with hectic schedules, long work hours, and school and sports activities are left with little — if any — time to sort through the vast and overwhelming options, let alone read them all.
FamilyIntel equips busy families with practical, actionable intelligence to meet the parenting and marriage challenges they face each day.
We summarize significant parenting, marriage, and family relationship books and put the key points into quick, easy-to-understand digests. Our book summaries help hurried families who want intelligent solutions from leading experts on raising children and building strong, healthy family relationships.
Visit Family Intel Website for much more!
Tags: Busy Families, Communications, Family Connections, Family Intel, Parent Communications, Parenting, Parents Universal Resource Experts, Social Networking, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: PTA to Install Its First Male National President
by Sue Scheff on Jun 05, 2009
The webcast will also feature Byron V. Garrett, the organizations first-ever male CEO, and offer the opportunity for parents who can’t attend the convention to reap the benefits of asking each expert questions via email and have them answered during the live webcast!
As new online strategies take the world by storm, Saylors and Garrett will focus many of their upcoming efforts on getting parents and teachers involved with new tools by offering conversation and updates on Facebook and Twitter, engaging National PTA members with these new Social Media platforms.
The webcast will also offer information on important topics such as: strategic planning and priorities for the National PTA for the next two years, how National PTA is working with the Obama Administration and reauthorization of NCLB, positive impact of male involvement and ways in which men can get involved, and summer tips to stay ready for back to school season!
Please join us at 2:00PM EST on June 24th for this LIVE webcast event. Please register today for the webcast – click here: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=59459. Thank you!
1. Strategic planning and priorities for the National PTA for the next two years
2. How National PTA is working with the Obama Administration and reauthorization of NCLB
3. Positive impact of male involvement and ways in which men can get involved
4. Summer tips to stay ready for back to school season
5. And so much more!
Tags: Educators, Parenting, Parenting Teens, Parents Universal Resource Experts, PTA, PTO, Social Networking, Sue Scheff, Teachers, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: The New Facebook Family; Reevaluating Social Media
by Sue Scheff on Jun 04, 2009
Source: ReputationDefender Blog
Tags: Cyber Safety, Facebook, Internet Safety, Michael Fertik, Online Reputation Services, Online Safety, Reputation Defender, Social Networking, Sue Scheff
