Archive for the ‘Child safety’ Category
How to configure your Facebook Privacy Settings
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010Here’s an up-to-date video (March, 2010) on how to configure your Facebook privacy settings. It runs about 5 1/2 minutes:
Could lack of iPad user accounts endanger kids or data?
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010by Larry Magid
This post originally appeared at CNET News.com
Could lack of user accounts endanger kids or data? (Credit: Apple
Writing for TheStreet.com, Anton Wahlman observed that the iPad’s “user log-in flaw” could pose a problem for families and others who are sharing the device. The iPad, according to Walhman, won’t allow owners to set up multiple user accounts as is the case with PCs and Macs.
If true (no one has yet reviewed the iPad), it could pose a problem for parents wishing to keep their kids away from certain material and data.
Apple didn’t immediately return requests by phone and e-mail for a comment.
Windows, Macs, and most other PCs have the ability to create separate accounts for each user, which is typically how filtering and monitoring programs are able to control or track kids’ use without affecting their parents. Most parental control programs allow you to create separate settings for each user.
Also, computer operating systems typically isolate user data so that a user only has access to his or her own files. The files of other users are only accessible when they’re logged on using their own password.
The iPhone and iPod Touch don’t allow for multiple accounts, but they are mostly personal devices. Except for very well-heeled parents who buy an iPad for each family member, I would imagine that many families that purchase one are likely to keep it a coffee table or kitchen counter for quick Web surfing or news reading.
There are also some possible security issues. For one thing, many people will want to use the iPad for e-mail using their contact lists, which means sharing the information with anyone who has physical access to the device. And there is also the issue of kids messing with their parents’ mission-critical software and data. I never let my kids access my account on my PC, not because I had anything to hide from them, but because I didn’t want them accidentally deleting or writing over any of my files.
Because of its size, price and versatility, the iPad is really a tablet computer and if is going to be used like a computer, it needs to have the same level of security and account control that we’ve come to expect from personal computers. Although criticized by some, Apple’s closed architecture (requiring that apps be vetted before being made available to users) should help iPad users avoid some of the security flaws of PCs, but if it doesn’t offer individual accounts, it could cause a major security nightmare for people who share the device.
Like a lot of other limitations, this might be solved via a third-party app or by Apple itself and, until we see the device we won’t know for sure if this is going to be a problem.
Internet safety video could win you $10K
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
Trend Micro giving away $10,000 to best Internet safety video (credit: Trend Micro)
Computer Security firm Trend Micro has an offer for any teen or adult who cares about Internet safety and security and wants to become an award winning filmmaker. The company has launched a contest called “What’s Your Story,” where the person who submits the best short video (no more than 2 minutes) can win $10,000. There are also four $500 prizes.
The deadline is April 30th and only residents of the U.S. and Canada 13 or older are eligible to win.
Entries must be about one of these four topics:
- Keeping a good rep online (avoiding embarrassing photos, videos or postings)
- Staying clear of unwanted contact (including bullies)
- Accessing (legal) content that’s age-appropriate (avoiding sites are “offensive, violent, pornographic, full of foul language, or inappropriate for certain ages)
- Keeping the cybercriminals out (computer security issues like identity theft, scams, spam, viruses and other bad stuff)
You don’t need a fancy video camera. A webcam, a cell phone video camera or something like the Cisco Flip Camera will do.
Although the contest is open to anyone over 13, I’m hoping there are lots of entries from teenagers. This is an opportunity for teens to share their own experiences and thoughts about Internet safety with their peers which can be a lot more effective than lectures from adults. Still, parents, teachers and older students are also encouraged to enter but contributions from teens are strongly encouraged.
All submitted videos will be posted on the site after being checked for appropriateness. People who submit are encouraged to promote their own videos with links on their social networking pages, blogs, etc. Judges will consider number of views not only as a way of promoting awareness but also giving filmmakers real-world experience in marketing and promotion.
The contest’s website has sample videos to give contestants ideas.
Contest judges include representatives of non-profit Internet safety organizations including Common Sense Media, Identify Theft Resource Center and ConnectSafely.org where I serve as co-director. And yes, I’ll be one of the judges. (Trend Micro provides financial support to ConnectSafely.org.)
ConnectSafely can’t enter the contest, but here’s one we commissioned that I think is pretty funny:
FTC advice on talking with kids about online safety
Monday, March 15th, 2010
The FTC's excellent Internet safety booklet "Net Cetera"
The Federal Trade Commission has published an excellent guide for parents about helping kids and teens stay safe and protect their privacy and reputation online and on mobile devices. The booket covers sexting, cyberbullying, texting, computer security, parental controls and pre-teen privacy.
The free booklet, called Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online,” is available free in printed form or as a downloadable and printable PDF (scroll down for link). You can also order free printed copies in English or Spanish.
Here is the beginning portion of the booklet with a link where you can continue reading.
Start early
After all, even toddlers see their parents use all kinds of devices. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone or any mobile device, it’s time to talk to them about online behavior, safety, and security. As a parent, you have the opportunity to talk to your kid about what’s important before anyone else does.
An honest, open environment.
Kids look to their parents to help guide them. Be supportive and positive. Listening and taking their feelings into account helps keep conversation afloat. You may not have all the answers, and being honest about that can go a long way.
Initiate conversations.
Even if your kids are comfortable approaching you, don’t wait for them to start the conversation. Use everyday opportunities to talk to your kids about being online. For instance, a TV program featuring a teen online or using a cell phone can tee up a discussion about what to do—or not— in similar circumstances. News stories about internet scams or cyberbullying, for example, also can help start a conversation with kids about their experiences and your expectations. Even if your kids are comfortable approaching you, don’t wait for them to start the conversation. Use everyday opportunities to talk to your kids about being online. For instance, a TV program featuring a teen online or using a cell phone can tee up a discussion about what to do—or not— in similar circumstances. News stories about internet scams or cyberbullying, for example, also can help start a conversation with kids about their experiences and your expectations.
Communicate your values.
Be upfront about your values and how they apply in an online context. Communicating your values clearly can help your kids make smarter and more thoughtful decisions when they face tricky situations.
Be patient.
Resist the urge to rush through conversations with your kids. Most kids need to hear information repeated, in small doses, for it to sink in. If you keep talking with your kids, your patience and persistence will pay off in the long run. Work hard to keep the lines of communication open, even if you learn your kid has done something online you find inappropriate.
Read more & download the PDF from the FTC’s website
How to make Chatroulette a useful video network
Sunday, March 14th, 2010This post initially appeared on CNET News.com
by Larry Magid
Andrey Ternovskiy, the 17-year-old Russian high school student who created Chatroulette, is this week visiting New York and San Francisco to chat with investors and programmers.
Perhaps with a little help, he can transform the site from a place where you’re likely to stumble on someone playing with their private parts into a really useful video social-networking site.
It seems what Chatroulette mostly needs is separate channels so that users can more easily find people with similar interests. I personally don’t have any problem with consenting adults having video chats in the buff, but it would be nice if the rest of us could use Chatroulette to have real conversations with fully clothed people. That could be accomplished if there were ways to select the subject matter of the conversation and perhaps a few other parameters such as language or region.
Imagine a site where you could have a face-to-face discussion about our involvement in Iraq and Iran with people from countries who have a different perspective about those wars. How about a channel where Israelis and Palestinians could get to know one another?
I might visit a channel dedicated to technology. It might be interesting to see what people in Asia are thinking about the iPad or the latest Android phone.
If Chatroulette does wind up allowing adult channels, there should be a tool for parents to easily keep kids from accessing those channels. There could also be channels just for kids with live human monitors making sure nothing inappropriate takes place. But even if there were some controls, I’d recommend that young kids only use a live video chat site with a parent in the room.
The site has a lot of potential for educational use. Teachers could use it to link their students with kids in other parts of the world, again with supervision and structure.
With a bit of funding, some adult supervision and a good privacy and security team, young Ternovskiy could turn this site into a pretty powerful and useful tool for both the web and mobile devices.
FCC chairman outlines broadband plan for kids
Friday, March 12th, 2010by Larry Magid
This article initially appeared on CNET News.com
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski laid out the “broadband plan for children and families” Friday at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
FCC chairman gets help from Elmo in promoting broadband plan for kids. (Credit: FCC video of speech via YouTube)
Referring to children as “our most precious national resource,” Genachowski said “we must do everything we can to educate and prepare them to thrive in the 21st century and keep them safe.” New technologies, he said, “can expose our children to new dangers, and can potentially outpace the ability of parents to guide their children.”
Genachowski had a mostly positive view of technology for kids, especially as it applies to learning. “The benefits of digital learning aren’t just theoretical. They’re real. One study found that low-income children who use the Internet more at home had higher GPAs and standardized test scores than children who use it less,” he said. He added that we need to set a “clear and non-negotiable goal: every child should be connected to broadband.”
Outline of tech dangers
He also talked about some of the dangers, but he didn’t harp on the more typical fears of predators and porn that have so often been repeated by government officials for years.
Instead, he raised concerns about the more common risk of online harassment; pointing out that “43 percent of kids have been cyberbullied, but only 10 percent tell someone about it.”
He also talked about harmful Web sites, referencing those that encourage self-destructive behavior, pointing out that “35 percent of eating disorder patients visit pro-anorexia Web sites.”
He talked about the issue of distracted driving : “A quarter of U.S. teens with cell phones say they have texted while driving. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, 80 percent of fatal teen accidents are caused by distracted driving.” Finally, he cautioned about inappropriate advertising such as children’s exposure to Viagra ads and scary movie trailers and the relative lack of advertising for “a healthy food product during children’s programming.”
He reminded the audience about the “recent Kaiser study that found that children consume recreational media 7 1/2 hours a day, and are consuming nearly 11 hours’ worth of content.”
Digital literacy and digital citizenship
In addition to focusing on access and safety, Genachowski also talked about digital literacy and digital citizenship which, increasingly, are being seen as critical components to keeping kids safe and productive online.
Digital literacy, he said, isn’t just about learning to use technology but “teaching kids to think analytically, critically and creatively, so that they can find relevant information, assess the accuracy and reliability of that information, distinguish fact from opinion, and create and share new content.” He also said we “have to teach our children to become media literate so that they can evaluate media content and recognize advertising for what it is.”
Finally, he stressed digital citizenship, which he described as “the values, ethics, and social norms that allow virtual communities, including social networks, to function smoothly. It means having norms of behavior that facilitate constructive interaction and promote trust.” He pointed out the “unique challenges” of digital communities: “People can remain anonymous or change identities, allowing them to act without regard to consequences.” But he questioned “how do we create a framework of online norms and values” and “who determines what these values and norms should be?”
Elements of broadband plan
Key elements of the proposed broadband plan include “modernizing the Universal Service Fund” to include broadband “instead of plain old telephone service.” He also called for the establishment of a National Digital Literacy Program that would encompass:
•An online digital literacy portal to allow any child, parent, or teacher with a broadband connection to take courses on digital literacy.
•A digital literacy corps to mobilize thousands of technically-trained youths and adults to train non-adopters, including families that are hard to reach because of cultural and language barriers.
•Better broadband capacity for libraries and community centers so that they can continue to help families become digitally literate.
The FCC chairman called upon parents to take responsibility for their kids’ use of digital media. This includes communicating positive messages about technology to their children, setting digital media rules, engaging with kids and using technology together, “teaching personal responsibility and reinforcing basic social norms to encourage responsible online behavior.”
More resources
For more on this issues, see my nonprofit, ConnectSafely.org, and its Online Safety 3.0 initiative.
You can also read “FCC’s positive new plan for digital literacy & Net safety” from my ConnectSafely co-director, Anne Collier.
Click here for a PDF of Genachowski’s speech or else watch it on YouTube as follows:
ICANN postpones .XXX decision
Friday, March 12th, 2010At approximately noon Nairobi time (4:30 AM Eastern), the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) board voted to postpone any decision about ICM Registry’s bid to offer a .XXX top level domain until its June meeting in Brussels.
Here is the text of the resolution: (the “wherases” were not transcribed but they’re in <4 min audio file at end of post)
“It is resolved that the board has considered the independent panel’s declaration in conforming with the ICANN bylaw requirements during its meeting in Nairobi and explored possible paths regarding ICMs application for .xxx. Resolved the board directs ICANN’s CEO and General Counsel to finalize a report of possible process options for further consideration and further resolves that the board directs ICANN CEO and General Counsel to post the report of possible process options on the ICM manner for public comment within 14 days which will enable the community to provide input on the board processes. The report will be posted for public comment for no less than 45 days which will enable the board to consider the possible process options no later than ICANN’s 38th International meeting in Brussels. ”
Here is the actual 3 min 45 sec. audio of the resolution and vote:
Gay youth likely victims of cyberbullying
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Iowa State researchers Robyn Cooper and Warren Blumenfeld (photo by Jaclyn Hansel)
by Larry Magid
A study by Iowa State University researchers Warren Blumenfeld and Robyn Cooper found about half of “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied youths are regular victims of cyberbullying, which causes psychological and emotional distress to victims — producing thoughts of suicide in some who are repeatedly victimized.”
“Allied youth” refers to young people who are openly supportive of LGBT youth.
The survey of 444 junior high, high school and college students between the ages of 11 and 22 (including 350 self-identified non-heterosexual subjects) found that 54% of LGBT youth had been victims of cyberbullying within the past 30 days. 45% of the respondents “reported feeling depressed as a result of being cyberbullied,” according to the study’s authors. 38% felt embarrassed, and 28% felt anxious about attending school. The authors reported that “more than a quarter (26%) had suicidal thoughts.”
As study co-author Warren Blumenfeld pointed out in an interview for a CNET podcast, to be considered bullying “it has to be repeated, it has to exist between people of different power relationships, with someone with more social power, physical strength over someone who’s considered to be less powerful.” It also has to occur over time with “numerous occasions for even it to be considered bullying.”
Youth leadership
Blumenfeld said “one of the biggest things that the participants are talking about is that this is a youth leadership issue.” Young people “want to see more training developed so that the peer leaders in the schools can be the ones who can act as positive role models to interrupt this kind of behavior in the schools and within the communities and to show in terms of ‘norms theory’ that this is not acceptable and this is not proper behavior and for the youths themselves to take more responsibility.”
He added that there are “are a lot of actors in the drama of bullying … the perpetrators, those who erk on the perpetrators and those who are the bystanders who know what’s going on and do nothing. There also are those who are the “potential allies, those who for one reason or another don’t feel comfortable yet to interrupt the behavior.” He added that ‘there are the actual allies who interrupt the abuse and there are the targets of the abuse.”
He said “we really need to find better ways to empower the bystander to be an ally.”
On a personal note, Blumenfeld was a childhood friend of mine. We were both bullied in school for, among other things, our last names. Kids called him “Warren Blubberfeld” and me “Larry Faggot.” Ironically, he was the one who was gay and I was the one who was overweight.
You can listen to my CBS News/CNET audio podcast interview with Warren Blumenfield here.
Lesbian, Gay, bisexual and transgender youth more likely victims of cyberbullying
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010A study by Iowa State University researchers Warren Blumenfeld and Robyn Cooper found about half of “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied youths are regular victims of ‘cyberbullying,’which causes psychological and emotional distress to victims — producing thoughts of suicide in some who are repeatedly victimized.”
The survey of 444 junior high, high school and college students between the ages of 11 and 22 (including 350 self-identified non-heterosexual subjects) found that 54% had been victims of cyberbullying within the past 30 days. 45% of the respondents “reported feeling depressed as a result of being cyberbullied,” according to the study’s authors. 38% felt embarrassed, and 28% felt anxious about attending school. The authors reported that “more than a quarter (26%) had suicidal thoughts.”
For more on the study, see Elizabeth Armstrong Moore’s post on CNET News.com and an article from Iowa State University’s news service.
Net oversight board to consider .xxx domains
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) board at its meeting Friday will consider a proposal from ICM Registry for adult sites to use the .xxx top-level domain instead of or in addition to .com.
This is hardly the first time ICANN has dealt with this issue. It rejected similar proposals in 2000, again in 2006 and most recently in 2007.
In an telephone interview Wednesday night from Nairobi (scroll down for podcast), ICM President Stuart Lawley said he successfully appealed the 2007 decision, paving the way for ICANN to reconsider the proposal on its merits.
The proposal has been a hot button for years, uniting some conservatives and some free-speech advocates in opposition to it. The conservative Family Research Council, for example, opposed the idea in a 2005 press release, arguing that “pornographers will be given even more opportunities to flood our homes, libraries, and society with pornography through the .xxx domain.”
But the American Civil Liberties Union also had concerns. In 2004, ACLU’s Barry Steinhardt told CNET’s Declan McCullagh that “there are nations all over the world that will undoubtedly try to force Web sites into the .xxx (top-level domain) or to block Web sites in it that they somehow view as offensive.” Steinhardt worried that “it will become a worldwide red-light district for the Internet, into which speakers who have free-expression rights and should be able to reach a mass audience will be forced.” (Steinhardt has since retired from the ACLU and is now at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society.)
As an Internet safety advocate, my concern about .xxx is that it could give parents a false sense of security. True, it would be very easy to configure browsers or filters to automatically block sites designated as .xxx, but since this is a voluntary program, there would be nothing to stop adult site operators from also using .com. It would be like setting up a red-light district in a community while also allowing adult entertainment establishments to operate in residential shopping centers.
In our interview, Lawley responded to this concern: “It’s not a great secret and everyone is aware that there is a lot of adult content on the Internet and…it was never my job or the job of .xxx to try to eradicate that.” He expressed hope that “it would become the domain of choice for adult providers because of the benefits it would provide…The idea that this would be a universal panacea and cure-all for the issue adult content on the Web was never the intent.”
Lawley called .xxx “an attempt at credible self-regulation by engaging with other impacted stake holders.” He said that adult sites that use .xxx would be subject to “best business practices” that prohibition of child pornography and malicious software. It would also be “mandatory for .xxx sites to label their sites with machine readable tags. He called it a “win win win situation” for the adult entertainment providers, consumers of adult entertainment, and parents who wished to keep their kids away from adult content.
While I respect Lawley’s sincerely, I’m still not convinced the .xxx is in the best interest of child protection or free speech. As Lawley admits, this isn’t a panacea and, unfortunately, there are no other silver bullets when it comes to keeping kids from wandering into inappropriate online areas. Parents do have the option of installing content filters which are a lot better than they were when the idea for .xxx domains was first introduced, but even those are far from fool-proof. Until someone comes up with a better solution, my recommendation is that parents be with young children while they are online, check-in frequently with preteens and work with children of all ages–especially teenagers–to fine-tune that filter that runs between their ears.
Listen now: Download today’s podcast