Here is a text book example of the problems that can arise with Snapchat, or any other social media app. Snapchat is probably the second most popular app among tweens and teens, with the most popular being Instagram. Snapchat, however, provides a false sense of security with the functionality of pictures, or snaps, ‘disappearing’ after […]
Cell phone rules are one of the most common dilemmas for parents of teenagers: How do I establish rules around the use of my child’s cell phone? There are so many challenges that go along with this. First of all, for both parents and kids, this topic can quickly become a source of negativity. Nobody, parent […]
In my house, I have a son who has an ongoing conversation, via text, with a friend from the time school ends until they both go to bed at night. Is this better or worse than having the hour long phone calls that we parents had when we were 14 years old? Read Dr. Michael […]
I recently received an email asking me if I had any tips on setting up Instagram safely for his daughter? Seemed like a great question and one that I get asked often. Instagram is easily the most popular social media app for middle school kids and as parents, we need to understand the concerns as […]
Sadly, 4 more teenagers have been caught sexting and may face criminal charges in this most recent incident at Ridgewood High School, in Norridge, IL. This time, it is 2 females and 2 males that are being potentially charged. This is another example of why parents need to continue the conversation with their children about […]
It has been an ironic week. I received two messages from moms sharing their stories with me. One mom had attended a safety presentation where we talked about Instagram. The other mom follows me on Facebook and my website. They are different people with different parenting styles. One had a success story while one had […]
Today, Tuesday, February 10, 2015 is International Safer Internet Day. I will be at Google HQ to attend this conference and learn more about the topics and issues around creating a safer internet. Over the last couple of years, there has been much discussion around the safety of Ask.fm. Apparently, they have done some house […]
Today we looked closely at sexting and internet predators. We talked in detail about the following: Sexting is defined as ‘posting or sending sexually suggestive text messages and images including nude or semi-nude photos, via cellular phone or over the internet.’ The students viewed this video about sexting. We examined what, specifically, sexting is and […]
Today we looked closely at appropriate online behavior. We talked in detail about the following: How fast and how far information can travel when you post something online To illustrate this point, this Today show clip was viewed. The consequences of poor online behavior which can include: College admissions officers viewing it Future coaches and […]
While I find Coca Cola refreshing as a beverage, actually my favorite, this ad that they ran during the Super Bowl was even more refreshing as a worldwide message. This is one that everyone, from 5 years old to 95 years old can relate to. The message that Coca Cola is trying to get it is […]