Technology Rules For Parents
By Vicky Gill
Social Websites
Be sensitive about what you write/post. If one day you post a picture of something you shouldn't have and the next day you want to take it down, you're too late! By now hundreds of people could have already seen and saved that photo. The solution: don't post bad things in the first place. Also, don't post personal things like your address, phone number, or postal code.
See "Is It Really Gone?" for more information on inappropriate posts and how to prevent them.
I'm Watching You!
Hackers can use devices known as RATs to watch you through your webcam. Always be sure to shut off your webcam or cover it with tape or paper. Never leave your webcam in your bedroom.
See "WebCams" for more info on web camera safety.
Is It Really Gone?
Taking down a post doesn't mean it's gone. Many people have probably already saved the post/picture. If someone asks you to post something you probably shouldn't, avoid communicating with that person. If they keep talking to you, mute them. If you do post something bad (terrible idea), take it down immediately to prevent others from also saving the picture. And if you are using a website that says it deletes the post 5 or 6 seconds after being posted, the person you sent the picture to could screen shot or capture the image. So don't post inappropriate things in the first place!
Talking/Texting While Driving
Talking or texting while driving is just plain dangerous. You are compromising the safety of everyone on the road including yourself. People can wait a few minutes to talk. Safely pull over in your car and then proceed with your call or text. The alternative possibility is 'SCREECH, CRASH, and BURN!' So take the 5 seconds to pull over. It might save you a couple tickets, and maybe your life.
WebCams
Never, ever leave your webcam running or angled straight. You are visually opening up your private world to others. When your webcam is on, it's light is supposed to come on with it. With today's technology, people can turn on your webcam without the light turning on with it. Inappropriate footage can be collected without your permission. It may later be used to coerce or blackmail you.
Cyber-Bullying
Cyber-Bullying hurts just as much as physical bullying. Cyber-Bullying is not, "your shoes are so ugly" or "I hate your purse". Cyber-Bullying is when one person is being threatened or intimidated online or through social media. In the past few years, the amount of reported cyber-bullying incidents have sky-rocketed. Below is the Amanda Todd video. This is just one of many people to take their life because of cyber-bullying.
For more Information on Amanda Todd visit:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/amanda-todd-suicide-girls-mum-1379909
Amanda Todd's Story: Struggling, Bullying, Suicide, Self Harm
"Black Hatters"
Black Hatters are people who try to hack into your accounts and make you post bad things. These people claim they will never share the information, or will they? After winning your trust, black hatters will try to get you to send them videos of you doing something (by something I mean something inappropriate). These people will study you for years before making their first move. They will look at your likes/dislikes, friends, and anything else that may help them get you to send them a single video or picture.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is when somebody steals a person's (this person may be dead) identity and pretends to be that person, usually for criminal purposes. People steal identities by looking at profiles that provide too much personal information like address, postal code, etc. Once your identity is stolen, they continue to collect more information. The plan is usually to obtain a credit card in your name, make purchases and cash withdrawals, and never pay it off. How do you prevent your identity from being stolen? Use common sense and e careful about what you post on-line.
"White Hatters"
On the brighter side, there are hackers who actually 'do good.' White hatters do the exact same thing as black hatters in terms of looking for personal information. White hatters look at peoples accounts and tell the people if they have posted too much information online. They also help prevent black hatters from hacking into your computer. They use black hatter techniques to keep us safe.