{"id":254676,"date":"2020-05-03T06:30:26","date_gmt":"2020-05-03T04:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=254676"},"modified":"2020-05-06T08:37:50","modified_gmt":"2020-05-06T06:37:50","slug":"police-urge-parents-to-learn-more-about-the-internet-and-social-media-to-protect-their-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2020\/05\/03\/police-urge-parents-to-learn-more-about-the-internet-and-social-media-to-protect-their-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Police urge parents to learn more about the internet and social media to protect their children"},"content":{"rendered":"

The internet can be a dangerous place and social media websites are no exception.<\/p>\n

The SAPS believes every parent should be aware of some important internet and social media safety tips that could protect their children from potential harm.<\/p>

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There are several things you, as a parent, can do to make sure your children can participate safely \u2013 they are:<\/p>\n

Learn about the internet and various social media platforms, because knowledge is power.<\/p>

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Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest internet crazes and social media applications children make use of.<\/p>\n

Insist on knowing your child\u2019s passwords and learn the common acronyms children use online and in text messages.<\/p>\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Men nabbed for selling cigarettes worth R100 000 illegally<\/a><\/h4>\n

Some acronyms include:<\/strong><\/p>\n

GNOC \u2013 Get naked on camera.<\/p>\n

TDTM \u2013 Talk dirty to me.<\/p>\n

NIFOC \u2013 Naked in front of computer.<\/p>\n

PAW \u2013 Parents are watching.<\/p>\n

PIR \u2013 Parent in room.<\/p>\n

POS \u2013 Parent over shoulder.<\/p>\n

CD9\/Code 9 \u2013 Parent\/Adult around.<\/p>\n

ASL \u2013 Age, sex, location.<\/p>\n

(L)MIRL \u2013 (Let us) meet in real life.<\/p>\n

MOS \u2013 Mom over shoulder.<\/p>\n

P911 \u2013 Parent emergency.<\/p>\n

PRON \u2013 Porn.<\/p>\n

S2R \u2013 Send to receive (pictures).<\/p>\n

FYEO \u2013 For your eyes only.<\/p>\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Local security company apprehends alleged house breaker<\/a><\/h4>\n

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

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

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

Consider the use of a parental control tool.<\/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>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist)\u00a0busiv@caxton.co.za.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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