Raising Tech Savvy Kids: What Parents Should Know That Their Kids May Already Know About the Internet

By Debra Sanders Clark

According to research, there are 50,000 predators online at any given time (Thomas, n.d.). These individuals are likely luring profiles or hiding in chat rooms in search of vulnerable children. Predators know that a growing number of children are now on the Internet, therefore, they monopolize the opportunity because it allows easy access and increased chances to privately communicate with them.

Unfortunately, predators are not the only threat online. According to research there are over 5 million Facebook users under the age of 10, although Facebook prohibits users under the age of 13, (Hopkinson, 2015). In addition, there are over 80 million fake profiles on Facebook (Chauhan, 2016). With the increase accessibility of social media, criminals often create fake profiles online to capitalize on the opportunity to steal more than identity. Parents, beware!

As a consequence of the many hidden dangers online, parents should be concerned and learn ways to increase youth safety. This self-help manuscript will provide information to help parents help their children have a safe and rewarding Internet experience. Readers will receive the following benefits:

explore the pros and cons of technology

learn techniques for proper usage of modern technology

gain knowledge of potential risks such as:

cyberbullying, sexting, predators, exploitation and others

learn about secret apps and codes children use to hide their online activities

acquire knowledge to implement safety online

implement and explain the rules for computer and Internet usage

develop a trusting relationship to improve parent and child communication risk, safety and responsibilities

receive additional resources offering information and help

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512749489

Debra Sanders Clark

Debra Sanders Clark was born in Sumter County, Alabama, in 1971, the second daughter of Johnny and Arminta Sanders. During her childhood, she resided with her parents and two sisters (Johnnie Mae and Lakesha) in rural Emelle, Alabama. Clarks favorite part of growing up was spending time with her grandmother (the late Flozell Thomas), who told fairy tales with funny endings, and her grandfather (the late Arthur Thomas), who taught her the value of working at an early age. Clark attended grammar school at Livingston Junior High School (Livingston, Alabama) and graduated from Livingston High School in 1989. She is a 1993 undergraduate and 1994 graduate from Livingston University (University of West Alabama) and holds degrees in social science and guidance and counseling. Debra is married to Tyrone Clark Sr. Together they have six children (Tavis, Tyrenae, Brandon, Marnetta, Tyrone Jr., and Shameka). Through her childhood upbringing, she developed a strong faith in God and a compassion to help others. The first eight years of her work career were spent working at West Alabama Health Services (Eutaw, Alabama) where she was introduced to the health-care world. Consequently, this was a valuable and rewarding learning opportunity for Clark. Moreover, the experience increased her desire to reach out and help others. In 2001 Debra Sanders Clark founded Health and Wellness Education Center, a community-based organization with a mission to Help the Needy. Clark never dreamed of becoming a writer, although she has written and produced an array of educational publications, handouts, brochures, pamphlets, newspaper articles, and course materials and has coauthored publications related to obesity and diabetes with local universities. Now, inspirational writing, which she employs for self-healing, has become her extreme passion. She attests that personal experiences have taught her to savor each moment of living by focusing on the positive aspects of life. Clark now writes to inspire, inform, and empower others to make positive changes in behaviors, attitudes, and habitual thinking by focusing on God rather than problems. Utilizing the glass-half-full philosophy, Clark has recognized opportunities within her own struggles, and she influences others not to give up when experiencing difficult situations. Clark elaborates: Our adoring Father has invested in each of us unique talents, gifts, and abilities. When identified and utilized, these natural attributes allow us to grow and develop throughout our lives. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of Gods grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10 KJV).

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Copyright © 2016 Debra Sanders Clark.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

This book contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed about modern technology and safety. The information contained within is solely for educational purposes and is not intended for medical or legal therapy, treatment or advice. The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication and does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party caused by errors or omissions of information.

www.debrasandersclark.com,

by email at [e-mail]

or mail:

Debra Sanders Clark

Raising Tech Savvy Kids

PO Box 1247

Livingston, AL 35470

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4949-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4948-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016911197

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/13/2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About The Author

About the Book

Chapter 1. Technology

Chapter 2. The Effect of Early Exposure to Technology

Chapter 3. Social Media

Chapter 4. What Are Children Doing with Their Computers and Mobile Devices?

Chapter 5. Cyberbullying

Chapter 6. Online Sexual Predators

Chapter 7. The Internet and Sexually Exploited Children

Chapter 8. Safeguard Your Child’s Internet Experience

Chapter 9. Abc Tips for Safety

• Kids’ Internet ABC Ethics for Safety

• ABC Internet Safety Tips for Parents

• Texting Codes or Acronyms

• Parent-Child Phone Contract

10. Resources for Families/Where to Get Help

References

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

auphotoImageDebra.JPG

Debra Sanders Clark was born in Sumter County, Alabama, in 1971, as the second daughter of Johnny and Arminta Sanders. During her childhood, she resided with her parents and two sisters (Johnnie Mae and Lakesha) in rural Emelle, Alabama.

Clark’s favorite part of growing up was spending time with her grandmother (the Late Flozell Thomas), who told fairy tales with funny endings, and her grandfather (the late Arthur Thomas), who taught her the value of working at an early age.

Clark attended grammar school at Livingston Junior High School (Livingston, Alabama) and graduated from Livingston High School in 1989. She is a 1993 undergraduate and 1994