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What could Web sites do to make their site safer for kids?
This is one of many questions we have received via email over the last several weeks.The answer is a bit more complicated than many adults realize.If there were a quick fix, Web site administrators would have implemented the changes by now.I don’t think it is so much a problem with Web sites.Clearly, Web sites need to have clear policies about inappropriate behaviors and content and mechanisms available for users to report problems.Web site administrators then need to respond immediately when instances of cyberbullying are called to their attention and remove offensive content immediately.Thankfully most of the mainstream sites have gotten better at this in recent months, so they are moving in the right direction.
It is also important to remember that much of the responsibility resides with the users of the technology (and the adults charged with teaching kids how to use the Web).For example, youth shouldn’t say things online that they wouldn’t say in person.They should keep their personal information safe and not reveal contact information (like their phone number or home address).They should also learn to be skeptical about people they only know from online.These online friends may not be who they say they are.Finally, youth need to feel comfortable talking with an adult they trust about any bullying they may experience (or any other problem they encounter online).Teach kids how to be responsible users of technology and it won’t matter what site they are on.They will know what is appropriate and what is not and know where to go for help if they run into trouble.
