Internet Safety
Reinforce safe internet practices as much as possible. Talk about why these are important. Review with them the precautions discussed in the Young Adults Internet Safety section. If your family member would like a Facebook account for instance, help them create it and set high privacy settings.
Helping Family Members with the Internet
Jonathan’s family help him post updates about his life on his Facebook page and load pictures as well. This often leads to Jonathan’s friends contacting him to ask for more details about what he has been up to. It can be a great conversation-starter and has helped Jonathan maintain connections with several friends over the years and the assistance from his family helps keep him safe while he does this.
If they visit chat rooms or use other chat tools, talk to them about the people they meet or talk to online. Listen carefully to how they talk about these people. Listen for danger signs of abuse or bullying or possible misrepresentation by chat “friends.” Make sure your family member can recognize abuse and cyber-bullying and feels comfortable talking to you about these things. Make sure they know to tell you before going out to meet anyone they have met only on the internet. Accompany them, or help them plan so that they will be safe.
The Benefits of Online Social Networking
The sites for networking on the internet help youth, because they don’t have the social challenge of being face-to-face with the other person. They can take time to think before they respond to the other person.
Educator
This book by Dr. Jed Baker discusses ways to prevent cyber abuse in the form of cyber bullying, online sexual predators, and internet scams against people with Autism.
