Monday, April 05, 2010
Learn the dangers teens face on the Internet
In many ways, Facebook and other social media sites have made teenagers easy targets and give parents reason to worry-around-the-clock.
They are networking at an unprecedented pace, from the cell phones, laptops and other devices; in their cars, bedrooms and classrooms. Whether it is “sexting,” “texting” or “twittering,” the lines of communication are open and rapidly expanding.
Experts say that parents, teachers and other professionals must keep up with these trends and increase their own knowledge of the Internet and its potential dangers.
The Backus Nursing Education Department wants to help by presenting “Keeping Our Teens Safe in a Technological World,” featuring guest speaker Norwich police detective Mark Lounsbury. The free event, part of the ongoing “Family Matters” series, will be held, Thursday, April 8, in the Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms from 6:30—8 p.m. Registration is required by calling 860-889-8331, ext. 2495.
Lounsbury said he sees a range of awareness in parents when it comes to Internet usage by teens — some parents who have little knowledge of the Internet while others are more aware of parental controls and know where their kids go online.
He believes the most important thing is to keep an open dialogue, so kids feel comfortable going to their parents if anything strange happens to them online. In other words — don’t totally restrict them from the Internet, but instead talk to them about what is safe and what isn’t.
Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the Backus Education Department at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your physician. E-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.
They are networking at an unprecedented pace, from the cell phones, laptops and other devices; in their cars, bedrooms and classrooms. Whether it is “sexting,” “texting” or “twittering,” the lines of communication are open and rapidly expanding.
Experts say that parents, teachers and other professionals must keep up with these trends and increase their own knowledge of the Internet and its potential dangers.
The Backus Nursing Education Department wants to help by presenting “Keeping Our Teens Safe in a Technological World,” featuring guest speaker Norwich police detective Mark Lounsbury. The free event, part of the ongoing “Family Matters” series, will be held, Thursday, April 8, in the Backus Hospital entry level conference rooms from 6:30—8 p.m. Registration is required by calling 860-889-8331, ext. 2495.
Lounsbury said he sees a range of awareness in parents when it comes to Internet usage by teens — some parents who have little knowledge of the Internet while others are more aware of parental controls and know where their kids go online.
He believes the most important thing is to keep an open dialogue, so kids feel comfortable going to their parents if anything strange happens to them online. In other words — don’t totally restrict them from the Internet, but instead talk to them about what is safe and what isn’t.
Alice Facente is a registered nurse and clinical educator with the Backus Education Department at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your physician. E-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org. To comment on this or other Healthy Living columns, click below or go to the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs.
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