Safety in Social Networking

There are dangers in the virtual world of social networking we should all be aware of. As adults we should be aware that in chat rooms, instant messaging and networking sites most people are just there to get socialize or network, but there are people with bad intentions in cyber space as well.

Understand that someone can say they are anyone from far away behind a computer. They can post a picture from anywhere. If you are not running a business that you are advertising for on the sites you are social networking then protect your profiles by checking that you want to approve anyone who looks at your information first. This way you make sure you know them and not just everyone has access to you information. You can protect you information on FaceBook, MySpace, and Twitter.

A person can be totally violated in the virtual world of today and it is just as important to understand how to protect yourself and your family in the virtual world as it is in the physical world.

As far as you kids go the most important thing is to talk with them openly about the dangers. Things seems safe from the safety of your home behind your computer or from the safety of a place you frequent, this is part of what makes self-defense in the virtual world so difficult.
One very important tip is to keep the computer your children use in a visible place.

Our world is changing fast, we have to be fluid and constantly learning and growing with it.

here are some websites with more info on this subject;
www.OnGuardOnline.gov for social networking safety tips for parents and youth
OnGuard Online
Source: www.OnGuardOnline.gov
www.Thefatherlife.com