On Drake Bell’s Case, a Reminder about Social Media and Kids

To be always vigilant and be reminded that there are predators always lurking in the cloak of social media.

Predators that will prowl on your unguarded young ones when they see an opening. That’s the case of Jared “Drake” Bell, who was sentenced for child endangerment charges. The charges are related to a girl whom the former Nickelodeon actor met online.

In all of this though, it is still okay for kids to be online—as it gets us connected to people around the world and stay in touch with family and friends—but should stay on the safe side when it comes to their use of social media. A couple reminders:

Cons

1. Nothing is private.
2. Cyberbullying
3. Anxiety
4. Identity Theft
5. Offensive Messages and Pictures
6. Location Tracking
7. Meeting Strangers

How to be safe

1. Know your network. Boundaries.
2. Do not approve friend requests from strangers or add people they don’t know or join in groups that are not allowed for their age. Never meet anyone you’ve known online.
3. Set limits
4. Make your own family media use plan
5. Warn kids about privacy, strangers and
6. Friends only