CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Young adults understand there are potential pitfalls behind their internet posts but what they do about it might surprise you.
WBTV's Cyber Expert, Theresa Payton, says parents should be aware and concerned.
In a recent survey, Truste and Lightspeed Research found that 80% of young adults do know the dangers that lurk online from cybercreeps or posts that may haunt them on job interviews but instead of using privacy settings to protect themselves, they use those settings to block parents from seeing posts they may not want them to see.
In this same survey, over 80% of parents said they really wish they could have more control over what young adults are posting, even a delete option.
We have educated young adults about the dangers of posting information that could impact your ability to get a job, go to college, or even finding a mate. We have taught them how to stay away from cybercreeps…and what do they do with this knowledge? They engage in risky behavior anyway and just block out their parents and friends so they don't have to listen to their advice.
How to Protect Young Adults:
- The Grandmom-Mom Rule: Talk to them and tell them that if they would not want their Grandmom or Mom to read it, it's probably a really bad idea to post
- Don't Talk to Strangers: Remind them that Cybercreeps are real and dangerous – they steal identities, money, infect computers, and stalk victims
- Connect: Be where they are online. Be a good role model.
The survey also pointed out that 68% of young adults have accepted friend invites from people they do not know.
Web Resources:
To read the survey summary, go to www.Truste.com
Word of the week: www.delicious.com
