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PART 1 Is It Safe?
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Q&A

Parry Aftab's Q & A

Q

My parents will freak out if they knew I had a social networking profile. But I hate lying ot them. What should I do?

A

This is a good opportunity to share LMK with them and anyone else you worry might freak out over social networking. Parents worry about their kids. (I know first hand!) So, you have to address their fears head on. Talk to them about why you created your profile to begin with. Show them your profile and those of your trusted friends (the ones your parents trust!) Explain about privacy settings and that you use them. Take them to Facebook.com/privacy so they can better understand the settings and how you are keeping yourself safe. Remind them that you already know about the 5 Ps – not to share anything that your Parents, Principal, the Police, a Predator and a Prospective employer, coach or college couldn’t see.

Online Safety Expert - Parry Aftab

Parry Aftab

Parry Aftab, an Internet Privacy and Security Lawyer, works closely with our Online Safety Teen Editors and tells us what’s behind – and how we can overcome – the challenges of the internet. She’ll provide step-by-step guidance to help you navigate your way to internet safety.

Comments

(3)

Laura: Monday, March 02, 2009

I have a facebook account, but for the first few months, I didn't tell my parents - Not a good thing... It's a good idea to pitch the idea to your parents slowly. Make sure you know how to work the privacy settings and know how to keep yourself safe before you try and set up an account. Use the LMK website! Some parents set up an account to keep track of their kids (thrilling, I know, to find your parents on facebook, but they are only trying to keep you safe...) I'm glad that I told my parents about my facebook account, because now I dont have to sneak around to use it!

Michelle: Sunday, March 08, 2009

My dad is a teacher at the local high school. He also has a Facebook. A lot of his students and former students have friended him. Most of them he ignores but his FIRST Robotics kids always find themselves on his list if they friend him. It’s the way he is. I definitely will feel safer with him on there. Don't fret over parents looking your shoulder. They want to keep you safe and some, like my dad, are honestly trying to keep up with the new technologies. If they start to peek, offer to help them understand it better. You might be rewarded by more privileges…might. =)

Kelley: Monday, March 09, 2009

I totally agree with Laura. And besides, chances are your parents are GOING to find out sometime. You might as well tell them yourself now and, like Parry says, SHOW them you're not being irresponsible. I can say from personal experience that parentals act way, way, way better if you respond to them calmly and responsibly and give them logical reasons for letting you have a Facebook or a Myspace (or anything, really). If you act like a grown up, then they will too :)

PART 1 Is It Safe?
 

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