The internet can be a dangerous place and social media websites are no exception.<\/p>\n
The SAPS believe every parent should be aware of some important internet and social media safety tips that could protect their children from potential harm.<\/p>
There are several things you, as a parent, can do to make sure your children can participate safely \u2013 they are:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Learn about the internet and various social media platforms, because knowledge is power.<\/p> Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest internet crazes and social media applications that children make use of.<\/p>\n \u2022 Insist on knowing your child\u2019s passwords and learn the common acronyms children use online and in text messages.<\/p>\n Some acronyms include:<\/p>\n GNOC – Get naked on camera.<\/p>\n TDTM – Talk dirty to me.<\/p>\n NIFOC – Naked in front of computer.<\/p>\n PAW – Parents are watching.<\/p>\n PIR – Parent in room.<\/p>\n POS – Parent over shoulder.<\/p>\n CD9\/Code 9 – Parent\/Adult around.<\/p>\n ASL \u2013 Age, sex, location.<\/p>\n (L)MIRL – (Let us) meet in real life.<\/p>\n MOS – Mom over shoulder.<\/p>\n P911 – Parent emergency.<\/p>\n PRON \u2013 Porn.<\/p>\n S2R – Send to receive (pictures).<\/p>\n FYEO \u2013 For your eyes only.<\/p>\n \u2022 Get involved.<\/p>\n Spend time online with your child, whether at home, at the library or at a computer centre in your community.<\/p>\n Your involvement in your child\u2019s life, including his or her online life, is the best insurance you can have for your child\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n \u2022 Move your child\u2019s computer into a family room or a frequently visited room.<\/p>\n Police advise that your child should rather use a shared family computer as this tends to limit the visiting of potentially dangerous chat rooms and social networking websites, as most teens prefer to view these sites in private.<\/p>\n If you must, limit your child\u2019s use of the computer to certain times, such as when you are home or in the room.<\/p>\n \u2022 Talk to your child about the dangers of the internet.<\/p>\n Let them know that it is possible to meet potential predators online, especially with the use of private chat rooms or social networking websites.<\/p>\n Let them know that if they are harassed, whether it be by someone they know or do not know, they must contact you immediately.<\/p>\n You may, in turn, want to contact the proper authorities.<\/p>\n \u2022 Consider the use of a parental control tool.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nALSO READ:\u00a0Man nabbed with illegal firearm<\/a><\/h4>\n