Had an interesting night a few weeks back.  My wife and I went to my kids school in the Sacramento area to listen to an FBI agent discuss social media and children.  Of course baseball was still going and a great playoff game was on but I dragged myself out and went.  I was very glad that I did.  My first thought was this agent looked only 17 years old, what does he know but he was packin heat so I kept my opinions to myself.  He was actually in his early thirties and a very nice gentleman... I digress.  He talked at length about how strangers can use social media to infiltrate your private information and even befriend your kids. 
 

I knew the part about stealing private information using Facebook and other social media web pages or at least I knew a lot of it, but I was a bit concerned about how criminals use it to lure children in, in order to gain their trust in the hopes of meeting with them and… well you know the rest.  Whenever I hear creepy stories like this, I sit up a little more straight lean in and listen to what someone has to say especially since I have a few kids at that age now.  The FBI agent went on to describe how these types of people are able to fool children into believing they are good people and just want to be friends… “Nothing else, just friends.” 

Do yourself a favor and type into any search engine. “Using social media to lure children” and see what you get.  For me, I received 36+ million results.  Very scary, to say the least.  This practice isn't just a phenomenon, it is an epidemic, what to do with those type of predators will have to wait for another post, but needless to say, throwing away of the key would be useful, my own opinion of course.  

Getting back to the FBI agent; he gave the kids and us parents several helpful suggestions on how to keep them safe on the internet.  Here are just a few of them.

1. Never give out your personal data.
2. Do not set up a user profile, it can be hacked and your information stolen.
3. Make sure you know and trust the people you are dealing with online.  
    Make sure your parents know them too.
4. Do not respond to any messages from people you do not know.  
    Tell your parents about the message.
5. Tell your parents if you come across something that makes you feel uncomfortable.  Never hide it.
6. Never, EVER arrange a face to face meeting with someone you do not know.
7. Keep your passwords strong, keep them safe.

This information as well as, other very useful tips can be found at FBI's website or

http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide

I want to thank the FBI and the FBI agent for making that night possible.  It opened a lot of eyes especially for me and my children.

My parting shot; Parents, your children are your greatest concern, you cannot be their friend and parent too.  Get to know their habits, especially when they are online.  Limit their online activities, throw them a football or take them to the park instead of allowing them to surf. Know what they are doing.  It’s your house, your room, not theirs….