Growing up today is so much different than it was
when I grew up. There was no such thing as no cyber bullying or online predators. However, there
are some similarities such as bullying, peer pressure, fitting in with friends
and trying to be with the “popular” group. But growing up in the digital age brings
cyber bullying and online predators to the forefront to every kid who is
connected to the internet through a cell phone or desktop. With all the troubles and worries tweens and teens
have in the real world, it is no wonder why so many tweens and teens turn to
the internet and use social networking sites to gain popularity and feel good
about themselves. It is no wonder why tweens and teens become friends with
strangers online so they can show the “popular” kids they are popular too with
so many “friends” on their social networking account. For some teens, the
internet is the way for them to escape their real life and start living a
cyber-life.
What should be the parents’ role with tweens and
teens in this digital age? It is very hard for tweens and teens to use good
judgment to protect themselves when all they think about is being popular and
liked by their peers which is why it is so important for parents to take an
active role in their kids’ life and talk to them about how to stay safe when
online. If there is one rule for parents to remember, it is….. not your kids
fault if they become victim of cyber-bullying or an online predator. It is never too late to start talking to your
tween or teen about how to stay safe online, it just might be a little harder.
As a parent, what do you do to protect your kids
from cyber bullying and online predators?
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