Not every blog reader has the best of intentions. They are, at times, predators of some nature, and use the popularity of the blogosphere among teenagers as a point of strategy for acting out their fantasies. If you have teenage children who are bloggers (statistically there’s a good chance of it), then it’s a good idea to have them check out BlogSafety.com.
Adults have come to call them blogs, but likely due to the extreme popularity of MySpace.com, they’re often referred to as “spaces” among the hipper crowds. While valued as a form of expression and communication, teens may be unaware of the dangers of posting personal information online and interacting with strangers.
BlogSaftey.com, part of the Online Safety Project, has essays, resources and tips for teen bloggers and parents and teachers of teen bloggers. An extension of the real world concept of “Stranger Danger,” the website warns youngsters to avoid posting information that would allow them to be located and carefully monitor their trusted friends networks.
Many blogging services offer features that prevent a person’s blog from being seen by the entire Internet, only accessible by invitation through a friends list. Teen bloggers are encouraged to take advantage of these features.
There are guidelines for posting photos as well like:
“It’s best to avoid photos that can make it easy for people to recognize you. It’s a very bad idea to post photos that are suggestive or sexual in nature. Before uploading a photo, ask how you would feel if that picture were seen by your parents, a college admissions counselor, a potential employer, a future boyfriend/girlfriend or spouse or, perhaps, your grandparents.”
It’s worth a look, in the interest of privacy and safety, to help ensure your teen can happily blog away.
