Internet Safety

A lot of my family and friends had Facebook, so when we had our first child, I decided to join the club and share photos with friends and family of my baby girl.  I instantly looked into the security features and made sure that only friends and family could see anything.  I look back and wonder why I ever made the decision to get on Facebook because all you see is junk and now friends and family post about everything that they do even the smallest things.  

I will not use Twitter, Snapchat, or anything that resembles.  My husband and I have discussed getting rid of Facebook too.  

I see so much "drama" that arises from the students using these things because no one has ever talked to them about precautions or safety.  I have had students bullied, harassed, having inappropriate pictures shared of them, and meeting older kids/adults.  I try to talk to them and help them, but they find it to be a necessity to be on these to be in the know or status among friends.  

I fell into the Facebook trap, too.  It was fun connecting with people I hadn't seen in a long time or had lost contact with....initially.  Then, I found the site made me feel bad more than it made me feel good.  If I allowed a site to make me feel negative about myself as an adult, I cannot imagine a child being able to handle the negative feelings he/she may feel.  I deleted the account and have not fallen back into the trap even though I am often encouraged to reconnect.