Is Your Child a Facebook Wild Child

f IS YOUR CHILD A FACEBOOK WILD CHILD? Children have always been vulnerable to real-life danger, but increased web access is exposing them to online threats as well. Facebook, in particular, is the digital playground for many children, but not everyone on the social networking site is playing nicely. Therefore, parents must take steps to ensure their child's safety while using Facebook. Find out what dangers lurk on Facebook and how your child's behavior on the site may increase their likelihood of becoming a target. IS YOUR CHILD AT RISK? Defining A Facebook Wild Child Everyone knows that children can behave inappropriately when unsupervised. Logging onto Facebook at night allows many kids to visit the site without a parent looking over their shoulder. Therefore, late-night Facebook activity is fairly common: 53% of children age 10-15 are on Facebook after 10 p.m., and 23% are on after midnight. These night owls are what we call the Wild Child users. Nighttime Facebook Use 32% 18% 15% 12% 10% 6% 4% '12:02 3% <9 P.M. 9 P.M. 10 P.M. 11 P.M. 12 A.M. 1 A.M. 2 A.M. 3 A.M. MORE FACEBOOK RISKS AFTER MIDNIGHT 30% of Facebook Wild However, they 43% of kids have Children say they are experienced at least one serious problem on the social network. should be. not at all concerned about dangers. Experienced Serious Problem On Facebook 60% of Facebook Wild Children say they have experienced one of the serious Facebook problems below. In comparison, just 38% of those who sign off before midnight experienced the same problems. Key: Cyberbullied 8% 20% Approached by a stranger 10% 15% OFF BEFORE • MIDNIGHT Blocked a friend who was causing problems 24% 35% Had account hacked 10% 17% JOHN S. Tagged in an embarrassing photo 11% 24% • ACTIVE AFTER MIDNIGHT Had to create a new Facebook account I 4% 11% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% WILD CHILDREN TAKE FEWER ACTIONS TO PROTECT THEIR FACEBOOK PRIVACY 27% of children who are active on Facebook after midnight have taken no actions to increase their privacy. However, adjusting privacy settings can protect them while online, Changes Made To Increase Privacy On Facebook Key: No privacy changes Set profile access to friends only OFF BEFORE 15% • MIDNIGHT • ACTIVE AFTER MIDNIGHT Gлen FRIENDS ONLY 30% 67% 51% Removed personal Turned off location info from postings Restricted photo access notification OVERHERE amet consactunur , see insiditunt dela magnealiun 33% 34% 33% 59% 52% 49% Made profile Disabled wall posting unsearchable 7% 9% 15% In addition to keeping their 21% information public, children who are active on Facebook POST NO COMMENTS after midnight are five times more likely to have friend networks of more than 400. Remember: Kids' online behavior can have major consequences. Parents must take an active role in monitoring their children's activity and educating their children about online safety. Z ZONEALARM SOURCE: ZONEALARM (CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.) by Check Point"