In the age we live in, it’s getting harder and harder to keep track of everything. Looking back on my own childhood, I remember how I spent my teenage years; reading, children’s arts and crafts, playing in the streets and the list goes on, as well as memories.
Technology and children
Looking at today’s 9-10-year-old with smartphones in their hands, the question arises: “Who the hell are they chatting with on Snapchat?” As the younger generation gain access to the Internet safety and smartphones, privacy becomes more and more threatened. Kids don’t know how harmful it can be for them to share too much personal information online. You might think that when you ask a security question such as “What is your favorite vacation spot?” this will help, but hello! You have already provided this information on your Instagram.
How secure is the Internet really?
Posting a photo of your child on your Facebook with captions like “Michelle’s first day in first grade: they’re growing up so fast :’)” is registered with the school you’re taking your child to. What will happen? your son’s name, photo and location seem innocuous but they aren’t, you have no idea who you just spread this information to, I don’t need to go into detail here, TV news and paranoia can take care of it.
We do not live in a safe world.
Think about all the pictures your child posts. Photos alone reveal so much personal information. In the race for the most friends and followers, their personal accounts are filled to the brim with strangers. Their Snapchat tells them exactly where they are right now. Getting “You look cute in your pictures ;)” from a nice stranger will seem harmless to them, but you should know better, right? Don’t let this happen.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to promote secure websites and apps.
Bring change. Trend sign. There are productive ways to use the Internet, encourage it. Instead of blocking these dangerous apps and sites on your child’s phone and laptop (because they’re more tech-savvy than you and will find a way to unblock them), educate them. They will definitely think it’s paranoia, so how are you going to get them to take it seriously?
Age restriction of the app/website. Forbid it until they reach a certain age. One of the downsides is that they will find a way to end up on this platform without your knowledge.
Control what they post, who they interact with, what they see in apps. It may ask you for their passwords, but you just take care of them.
Encourage them to have fun (with friends) on safe platforms.
Seriously how?
Waltz on platforms like Miss O and Friends. A secure online platform for girls where you can make friends, chat with them, meet girls from all over the world, express your opinion, participate in exciting contests and win prizes and much more!
What is Miss O and her friends?
Miss O and Friends is a place for teenage girls (ages 8-12) established in 2005. Juliette Brindle, who launched the website at 16, is one of the inspirations behind the successful girls’ portal. His mother, Herminia Brindle, is the co-founder. Juliet drew her little sister and her friends, and Hermite turned them into animated characters – this is how the site was born.
Who is Miss O?
Miss O is Juliet’s younger sister, Olivia. Yes, the blonde in the login and headline is Miss Olivia Brindak, and the other four girls are her real friends, including Juliet. Juliet and her mother set up a website for Olivia and her friends, who were teenagers at the time. The changes that every girl faces at this age, such as school, growing up, puberty, children, etc., are what Ms. O and friends are trying to make less difficult and bearable.
What does Miss O & Friends have to offer?
On the site you will find stories of real girls, articles written by girls from all over the world, games and quizzes. However, the most important thing is that there is a place to chat with other girls from all over the world. You can talk about any problems you have, seek advice, and just share what you’re going through with other girls your age while being safe from cyber criminals. Every message sent, every question or answer posted, the Miss O & Friends team meticulously tracks every story and experience shared on the website. The possibility of leakage or exchange of personal information is practically excluded. The team keeps track of member activity on the website, who has just joined and who has been active on the website, so there is no chance of any uninvited person impersonating a girl.
On top of that, Miss O and Friends rewards its members with prizes including books, gifts, concert tickets, etc.
What’s not to like?
Wouldn’t you feel more confident and secure knowing that your underage daughter is on a website like this and not chatting with a stranger on Facebook? No records of sent and received Snapchat; Wouldn’t you feel insecure allowing your kids to access such apps? Miss O and Friends is made by girls for girls. There is an app that you can download to your phone, as well as a partner website for parents.
It’s just one website – there are hundreds just waiting to be explored. Encourage its use.
