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Identity Theft, Teen Style

Using the Internet to Cause Emotional Harm

By Keath Castelloe Low

NetSmartz.org is a wonderful Internet safety resource that provides educational programs and activities for "even the most tech-savvy kids of any age group." NetSmartz strives "to extend the safety awareness of children and empower them to make responsible decisions online and in real life." Check out the site and use their on- and offline learning activities to engage your child in discussions about Internet safety. Browse through the "Real-life Stories" on the site. These stories address various issues such as cyberbullying, online enticement, giving out too much personal information online and keeping your password private. They are especially effective because they are told by teens to teens.

The NCMEC reports that youth awareness of Internet safety and online behavior "is an ongoing concern that should continue to be addressed and reinforced on a regular basis and not implemented as a one-time event." Additionally, in their research "younger youth were found to have a lower level of Internet safety knowledge, even after training, which highlights the need for continued training as these youth develop and are exposed to more on the World Wide Web." Aftab sums it up best: "The Internet is a wonderful tool for everyone, but knowing how to look both ways before crossing the super highway helps."

* Last name withheld to protect privacy.