Parents, what do you have wrapped up for your children this holiday season - new phones, tablets, and computers that will give internet access to your children?  If you do, we urge you to take proactive steps to create cyber boundaries to safeguard your family.  This includes talking to your kids about safe and responsible smartphones, social media, and online activity.

Avoiding Cyber-Bullying

The internet is a two-way street: allowing your kids to access the internet means that potentially everyone else using the internet can gain access to your kids.  Unfortunately, online games, apps and social media sites can be places where predators and cyber bullies roam, looking for easy targets.  Recent events clearly show that the risks of exploitation, cyber-bullying, and now, radicalization that your kids face online should not be underestimated.  Some experts advise parents to put safety ahead of privacy, know their kids' passwords, and regularly review all of their messages and downloaded material.

Regardless of how far you decide to go in monitoring your kids' "private" online messages and activity, make sure that your kids are aware that predators often pose as teenagers to build relationships and set up face-to-face meetings.  Ask your kids to tell you about any incidents of cyber-bullying or extremist content, if something or someone concerns them or appears to threaten them or others, or if they think someone is depressed or suicidal.  As a parent, it is up to you to safeguard your child's online safety.

Cyber-Bullying Attorneys Bradenton

Heintz Law urges all parents to watch out for their children's online safety.  If a cyber-bully or online predator has targeted your child, we urge you to take appropriate action and call us to discuss your legal rights.