Category Archives: Family Safety

Is Snapchat Making Sexting Easier for Kids?

With more and more teens fleeing Facebook for more “parent free” social zones, alternatives such as Snapchat have become popular connection tools. Snapchat is a picture and video texting app that allows users to take photo snapshots (or “snaps”) and videos that the app will then make “vanish” after ten seconds. In essence, “snaps” replace Read more…

Keeping Kids’ Self-Esteem in Check in a Digital World

Can Facebook really put a ding in your self-esteem? According to a recent study—yes. In the study, conducted by Humboldt University in Berlin and Technical University in Darmstadt, German researchers found that of the 600 Facebook users polled, a third (one in three) of the respondents reported feeling negative after being on Facebook. Constantly seeing Read more…

Reporting Cyberbullying: Where to Start

As we discussed earlier this week, reporting and resolving a cyberbullying incident will vary depending on the evolution of your community’s awareness and understanding of the issue. However, this list provides first steps to help stop cyberbullying online if you see it. Save the evidence. Print copies of messages and websites. Use the save feature on instant messages Read more…

Cyberbullying: How to Be Part of the Solution

Cyberbullying is a public health issue that continues to go through its own kind of “social fog” as schools, parents, students, and law enforcement attempt to establish some common guidelines in dealing with episodes of online harassment. Some schools and local police departments have met cyberbullying head-on. They’ve implemented a clear process to handle cyber Read more…

Is the Twitter Video App ‘Vine’ Safe for Kids?

Twitter’s new video-sharing app Vine is the hottest mobile toy since Instagram—and to be honest—it’s even more fun. Still, parents need to keep Vine on their radar as the popular social network evolves. Vine allows users to create super-easy, six-second video clips to share with friends on Facebook, Twitter and Vine. All users do is Read more…

Are Your Kids Using Vault Apps to Hide Photos, Chats, or Videos?

A number of apps for both the Android and iPhone exist that are great for storing your personal “gems,” those pieces of digital data you want to keep under lock and key on your smart phone. The apps store data such as logins and passwords, private photos, and keep them safe from hands of hackers, Read more…

Are Your Kids Using Vault Apps to Hide Photos, Chats, or Videos?

A number of apps for both the Android and iPhone exist that are great for storing your personal “gems,” those pieces of digital data you want to keep under lock and key on your smart phone. The apps store data such as logins and passwords, private photos, and keep them safe from hands of hackers, Read more…

Love Bytes: Do You Really Want to Send That Sexy Valentine Photo?

We know—it is not our job to clip cupid’s wings or douse the Valentine vibe—but it is our job to help keep things safe for you and your family online. That said, McAfee recently released the study, Love, Relationships, and Technology:When Private Data Gets Stuck in the Middle of a Breakup. The study examines the downside Read more…

7 Easy Things You Can Do To Amp Your Online Privacy

Privacy. It’s the hottest topic online and if you are still not too concerned about it now—you will be. The rapid growth of social networks, geolocation services, and data mining daily puts your personal information at risk.   Think you are in the clear? Just spend a few minutes on sites like Spokeo and you may have Read more…

Smart Apps to Keep Your Teen from Texting and Driving

If you are like most parents, the “no texting and driving” comment is a daily exchange before your teen heads out the door, car keys in hand. A 2012 U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey found that drivers 18 to 20 showed the highest level of mobile phone involvement in crashes or near-crashes. Read more…