Internet Safety for Your Children

Your first impression isn't made with a firm handshake--it's with a Google search.

So says Dan Schawbel, author of Me 2.0, in a recent article in Real Simple magazine. The article goes on to say, "A whopping 70% of U.S. business managers say they decided not to hire a job candidate based upon something found out about her online."

If the idea of a professional interview seems too distant for your middle or high school student to register, he or she should consider this:  A recent study released by Kaplan revealed that more than 80% of America’s top colleges use social media in their recruiting process. Seventy percent of colleges say that the Facebook profiles of candidates are medium to high priority in the admission process. This infographic shows exactly how social media is reshaping college admission today. An age-appropriate virtual persona has never been more important.

Even before kids are legally old enough for a Facebook account (that age is 13, by the way), students are using iPads and the Internet for school assignments. As their curiosity grows, they are sure to stumble upon inappropriate sites. How do you set electronic limits and safety rules for your children? How do you best monitor your child’s searching and networking activities?

For answers to these questions and more, you should mark your calendar, invite a friend and fellow parent to attend the free community presentation Internet Safety for Your Student at Canterbury School of Florida on October 1, 2012 in the Parish Hall on the Hough Campus at 1200 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg 33704.

Session 1 ( 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.) is for parents of children under 12 years old.
Session 2 (7:00 – 8:00 p.m.) is for parents of teenagers.

To attend one or both of these sessions, RSVP to me at hlambie@canterbury-fl.org.

Also of interest: 12 Things Students Should Never Do on Social Media.

What kinds of limits do you set for your children when it comes to Internet and cell phone usage?