"Social Networks," Instant Messaging and More: Understanding the Risks
Whether it's MySpace, Flickr or Facebook, chances are your child has some sort of profile online. At last count, more than half of all online American youth ages 12-17 were members of online networks. These networks are notoriously popular — and they can expose youth to drug-related activity and risks.
Places like MySpace are called 'social networks', which is really just another way of saying 'online community.' Joining is easy—they just create their profile, add a few entries to their MySpace blog (a web log that often serves as an online 'journal') and begin connecting with other community members. Your child's online friends may include school buddies and neighbors who've moved away, but they may also include people they've never even met.
Kids online are just like kids everywhere: they want to impress their friends. And lots of teens think drug activity is impressive. But there are things that parents can do to gain insight into their children's online lives—online lives that may reveal information about real-world behavior.
Take Action on Social Networks
- Set up your own profile: In order to be able to access these social networks, you'll need to be a member yourself. Learn how to set up your own profile at the most popular social networks with a guide from About.com.
- Learn more about social networking risks: OnGuardOnline.gov has a comprehensive overview of social networking risks, and offers parents practical tips.
- Consider filtering or monitoring software: Though the DEA can't endorse a particular product, web site or service, Download.com has a comprehensive list of monitoring software. The site offers user reviews and free trials for many of the products listed.
A Tiny Window to a Big World: Instant Messaging and Text Messaging
Messaging—whether it is on the tiny screen of your child's cell phone or the easily minimized window on his computer—allows kids the opportunity to have entire conversations without ever saying a word. If you suspect drug use and abuse by your child, they may be using instant messages (IM) or text (or SMS) messages to prevent you from eavesdropping.
Are there things a parent can do when it comes to text messaging or instant messaging? Yes.
Take Action on Instant Messaging and Text Messaging:
- Become IM savvy: Adding your teen's IM screen name to your buddy list is one thing you can do to help track activity; WiredTeens.org has additional tips for monitoring and gaining insight from IM activities.
- Keep your eye out for emerging technology: Software developers understand that parents are willing to pay for products and services that will help them protect their children. For example, a cell phone-tracking software provider called Radar lets parents monitor their child's call and text message activity. Make sure to explore your technological options.
- Learn the language: Teens and young adults have their own language when it comes to messaging online or on their cell phones. Here are some internet acronymns for understanding what your teen is really saying. And what you find will probably not make you ROFL (roll on the floor laughing.)