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5 Life-saving Safety Tips When Using Social Networking Sites
Sexual abuse, identity theft, and similar distasteful crimes are driving the fun out of social networking sites. When a 14-year old girl, who was active on social networking site MySpace.com, started receiving graphic messages from a man much older than her, asking her is she was OK with him being 38-years old, it wasn’t the first time for an alleged sexual predator to prowl the communities of the virtual world for sex. But the authorities decided to step in and assuming the girl’s online identity started chatting with that man. During these exchanges, the man made it very clear that he wanted to meet the girl for sex. Fortunately, the cops also found another similar aged girl that the man had previously had sex with, and were able to nab him and charge him with multiple counts of sexual assault. However, this disturbing incident is only one of the numerous cases reported from across America – and some of them have had tragic endings. While such cases are not limited to MySpace.com, it’s important for parents to monitor their children’s activities on these sites on a regular basis. The American law does provide protection by giving parents (in case of children) the control over the kind of information that their kids can release over the Internet. For example: sites that cater to children below age 13, as well as for general audience social networking sites that allow children below 13 to participate, there’s the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The COPPA requires these social networking sites to ensure parental consent is given before they accept or use children’s personal information. Basically, the COPPA empowers parents the authority to review their kid’s various online profiles as well as blogs. However, the COPPA is made to protect children below 13. For teens and adults, it’s important to understand how various social networking sites work and thus, ensure their own personal security and safety. While there are several safety tips that must be kept in mind, here are the 5 most important life-saving tips for all social networking 5 Life-Saving Safety Tips When Using Social Networking Sites The most important tip is to evaluate your social networking profile and postings. Before posting, stop and think. How do you feel about your parents or elders or strangers seeing your profile? NEVER post private information such as your home address, cell phone or landline number, social appointments, or name of school, college, or workplace unless you are prepared for the predators lurking on these sites. Second tip is to read the rules and regulations and advices offered on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and follow them as closely as possible. You must utilize the ‘Privacy’ settings of your Facebook account to allow only friends and people you can trust to access your personal information. Thirdly, you must never accept friend requests blindly. Always check the profile and personal information provided by the person requesting your friendship. Many people post incorrect information on their profiles and mislead other members. Remember, that many users pose as someone else and take advantage of this aspect of these sites and attract or sexually exploit people. Fourthly, never give out your profile password to anyone expect for your parents or siblings. And finally, never meet anyone you have only met on social networking site in person. They may not be who they say they are! Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Agriya offers Facebook clone with all the safety measurements you are looking for. Visit here to know more. |
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