Hyderabad: Teenagers are posting content on social networking sites that could risk their identity online. “Tweens and teens are very comfortable operating in the online world, yet the risks have never been greater. What is also worrying is that despite a majority (80 per cent) of Indian youth being aware that their online activity can affect their identity, out of the 90 per cent who have posted something risky online, 70 per cent have posted their contact details like email, phone and home address,” said Ms Melanie Duca, APAC Consumer Marketing Director, McAfee, in a statement. According to the report, 70 per cent of the youths who are online in India spend more than five hours on the Internet in a normal week.
As many as 92 per cent of Indian youths were found to have shared private information online despite being aware of the risks. Suggestions for parents to educate their kids on online risks:
1. Connect with your kids. Casually talk to them about the risks of all online connections and make sure the communication lines are open.
2. Gain access. Have passwords for your children’s social media accounts and passcodes to their devices.
3. Learn their technology. Stay one step ahead and take the time to research the various devices your kids use.
4. Get social. Stay knowledgeable about the newest and latest social networks available on the Net.
5. Reputation management. Make sure your kids are aware that anything they post online does not have an expiry date and they can come back to haunt them.
