Playground safety rules for a dangerous (virtual) world:
Most parents these days know to prepare their kids for hidden playground dangers. Just as your neighborhood playground, with its brightly colored swings and slides, looks fun and feels safe, cyberspace may FEEL safe to your teen. But it’s a dangerous world out there. Here are some suggested playground safety rules for teens on-line:
- Don’t throw dirt or sand: Don’t spread rumors or dis other people. Being cruel and mean to other people is not only bad mojo, it may be illegal.
- Stay inside the fenced area: Read and be aware of your blogging service’s rules or “terms of service.” They may kick you off the playground for violating them.
- No shoving or pushing: You may not want your parents to read your blog, but make peace with it: they will. It’s what they signed up for when they decided to be parents (They probably also go through your room when you are not home). Let your parents know what you’re doing. Show them you’re following the rules. Invite them into your blog. You should have nothing to hide.
- Don’t use the equipment if it’s raining or lightening: If youre in an area that encourages things like cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, or sex, get away from it. Most likely it’s about to get much worse, and its already unsafe for everyone.
- Don’t go down the slide head first: What looks fun at first can lead to a face plant in the end. Anything you post can be easily copied by others and passed along or stored. Would future employers, boyfriends, girlfriends, or colleges still accept you if they saw or read what you’ve posted? Hard as it is: try to think about your future before you post that nasty comment or that inappropriate photo.
- Know your seesaw partner: Know exactly who you’re talking to. Don’t assume just because they’re in your space, they’re safe. They could be setting you up for a big fall. Be careful about the type of relationship you establish or information you give to people through your blog or chat-room activity.
- Don’t eat candy you find on the ground: Don’t be impulsive. Exposure to more people is exposure to more temptation. Never, for any reason, agree to meet alone with someone you have known only online. You never really know who an online “friend” may actually be or what his or her intentions are. Consult with your parents before meeting someone and have them come along.
