KidsEmail Blog » kimberly

The Hot Topic–Internet Bullying

kimberly — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:44:40 +0000

It’s been on the cover of People this week and was featured on the Today Show. Parents are growing more and more concerned about Internet bullying. We are concerned about it too. That’s why were are here–to protect children from all types of dangers online.

Feel free to ask us a question about Internet bullying. We will be glad to answer it.

Internet Bullying Makes the Cover of People

kimberly — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:04:18 +0000

People Magazine ditched it’s coverage of gossip this week to talk about a real problem–Internet bullying. The story focuses on a Massachusetts teen who killed herself after she was bullied online. The story has been featured in many other publications.

This should be a wake-up call to parents to monitor their children’s online activities. You can read more in People this week.

Make money for your school, church group or organization

kimberly — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:09:48 +0000

Raising money is challenging. And how many chocolate bars can you eat and how much wrapping paper do you need? Parents, grandparents and co-workers get tired of the same items year after year.

KidsEmail.org has a fundraiser that will not only help earn money for your organizations but educate the public about Internet Safety. More than one third of children report that they are approached by strangers online. Would your kids know what to do?

KidsEmail.org’s mission is to keep kids safe while they are surfing the net and reading their email. By selling KidsEmail.org cards, you are helping parents keep their kids away from online predators and spammers.

Here’s why you should fundraise with us. We offer the highest profit margin in the industry. You can make $7 out of every $10 you sell.

You can learn more about our fundraising program at kidsemail.org/fundraising.

Concerns from Overseas–Internet Mobbing

kimberly — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:21:52 +0000

Over the weekend someone left a poll on our Facebook page about “Internet Mobbing.” I was not familiar with that term and I had to look it up. Internet Mobbing is what we often call “cyberbullying.” Kids get together and pick on other kids online. While a lot of this happens on social media sites and in chatrooms, some kids get emails that are hurtful and mean.

Cyberbullying is a serious problem. Some reports indicate that there have been suicides as a result of these incidents. When talking to your kids about Internet safety, make sure you ask them if they are being bullied or harassed online too.

What’s The Buzz Around Google?

kimberly — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:54:45 +0000

As if parents did not have enough to worry with, Google announced a new form of social media in February–Buzz. Immediatly internet safety experts expressed concerns about Buzz including one feature that allowed GPS to disclose a person’s location.

Google took action this week and has launched some safety videos aimed at teens about internet safety. The videos offer the same kind of advice a most other sites. However, how many teens are going to take the time to watch the videos–unless forced to by a parent.

What do you think of Buzz?

Exciting News at KidsEmail.org

kimberly — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:36:59 +0000

We are always looking for ways to serve you better. In the past few weeks, we have been upgrading our servers (pun intended!). Some of you may have noticed some glitches during this upgrade and we apologize. Most of you should not notice any changes at all.

We have a lot of exciting things happening. Last month we launched our affiliate program. In the next few weeks, we will be launching our fundraising program. Thank you for being a part of what we do here at KidsEmail.org.

New Laws Targeting Predators

kimberly — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:12:41 +0000

Many state legislatures meet during the first few months of the year and most are now winding down. Every year a new crop of laws are introduced regarding online sexual predators. This year Wisconsin is taking the lead in penalizing online predators. Their proposed law would double the penalty for predators who actually meet a child in person. You can read the article here:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/87398752.html

While it is great that lawmakers are passing tougher laws, nothing substituted parental involvement and education. If you haven’t talked to your kids about Internet safety, do it as soon as you can.

Busyness, parenting and Internet safety

kimberly — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:02:35 +0000

Let’s face it–all parent are busy. Busyness is just a part of family life. And when you are busy, Internet safety may not be the first thing on your mind.

If you have older kids who are basically able to care for themselves you may not be standing over them when they are online. And even the best kids can stray to something they shouldn’t see or be lured by an Internet predator. That’s why you need tools to help you when you can’t stand over their shoulder.

That’s what we are here for–to help you feel confident your kids are okay when surfing the net–even when you are busy.

What do you think about a Facebook panic button?

kimberly — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:54:22 +0000

Internet safety supporters in England are upset that Facebook has refused to add a panic button to the site. The button would automatically alert the social media site when a child felt threatened. Facebook officials said they have a reporting system in place that would actually work faster than a panic button.

The request came after the rape and murder of 17-yearold Ashleigh Hall. The teenager was lured by Peter Chapman, 33, who pretended to be a teenage boy on Facebook. He was convicted of her death and sentenced to life in prison.

What do you think of a Facebook panic button? Is is needed?

Another online danger–Blackmail

kimberly — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:20:47 +0000

Not all online predators are older men looking to seduce children. Some are using a child’s trust to blackmail them. While some of them do want sexual favors, some are after money.

The most popular blackmail scheme begins when the predator earns the child’s trust. He (or in rare cases she) may have the child send nude pictures or reveal some other type of embarrassing secret. The predator threatens to show the pics or reveal the secret if the child does not give into his demands.

While a few cases have been reported, blackmail is often an unreported crime because the child is embarrassed. To keep you child from being a victim here are some steps you can take:

1. Monitor you child’s online activity with a program like KidsEmail.org.

2. Talk to your kids often about online safety. Let them know that they can come to you if they have a problem online.

3. Be wary of any new online friends your child has. Predators don’t appear scary at first. They gain a child’s friendship and trust.

If your child is a victim, be careful not to make them feel badly. They are a victim. Give them your support and most importantly, talk to the police. As long as predators continue to get away with their crimes, they will continue.