Parenting in this internet age provides a whole new set of challenges when teens put so much of their personal lives online. Access to the internet is touch to avoid, but at a workshop Wednesday night in Richland, WSU Tri-Cities and the Richland Police Department gave parents the 411 on how to keep kids safe online.

"It's scary when you're a parent, it doesn't matter if you work in law enforcement—not knowing is intimidating for any parent,” Crime Prevention Specialist Cerise Peck said. “So educating parents is the first step we can take in making sure we're keeping kids safe online."

Peck says parents need to be vigilant about knowing what social media apps your kids are using, and knowing who they're talking to online.

The Kennewick Police Department hosts a similar workshop Thursday, July 20, 2017, at 6:30 PM.

 

Resources for Parents:

www.commonsensemedia.org

www.netsmartz.org

www.safekidspro.com

Monitoring Programs for Parents:

www.mmguardian.com

www.phonesheriff.com

My Mobile Watchdog

Mamabear

What Parents Need to Know About Popular Apps:

Kik Messenger: This app allows kids to text for free. It has no message limits, character limits or fees if you only use the basic features. Since it’s an app, the texts won’t show up on your kid’s phone’s messaging service, and you’re not charged for them (beyond the standard data rate).

What Parents Need to Know: Ads/in-app purchase: Kik is used for conversations between brands and users. It also offers specially designed apps; many offer products for sale.

Stranger danger: Oink Text is an app linked with Kik, which allows you to talk to strangers. You can share your Kik username to find other people to chat with. Also, there is a Kik community blog where you c can share photos of yourself and screenshots of messages exchanged. (Kik sometimes displays the user account’s full name.)

Whisper: this is used as a “confessional” type of app. Users can post whatever is on their mind at any time of day. This also allows the teens who have raging hormones the freedom to share how they feel without feeling any type of judgment from someone.

What parents need to know: very sexual for some—try to hook up with people nearby and there is a “meet up” section.

Topics can include: depression, insecurities, substance abuse and any lies told about others.

Omegle: Omegle is a chat site or app that puts strangers together in their choice of a video chat room or text chat. It is all anonymous and “interest boxes” allow you to filter your potential chat partners by shared interests.

What parents need to know: There is no registration, and they’re paired up with strangers. This is not an app for kids and teens, and many are looking for a sexual chat through video or porn sites. There is explicit language.

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