Friday, July 03, 2009
Facebook Privacy Enhancements
My thoughts on the new Facebook privacy enhancements. Good news! Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
Facebook Privacy Enhancements
View more presentations from guest5f7bf4.
Facebook Privacy Enhancements
Facebook Privacy EnhancementsI have been writing lately about how all of our life segments colliding on Facebook. Our weird cousin Elmo can comment and our uptight boss can see. Our church friends see our wild drunken bashes. Our children can see us ranting about financial pressures. The lines we can draw successfully between the different parts of our lives can;'t be drawn easily when we have one Facebook account and everyone can see everyone else.
Facebook has fixed that. You can select different settings for different subgroups. Only Thanksgiving pics go to cousin Elmo. Only hardworking comments to our boss. Our kids see family things, our drunken buddies don't.
Am thrilled about this!
Now we need ot get everyone to use them. :-)
Facebook has fixed that. You can select different settings for different subgroups. Only Thanksgiving pics go to cousin Elmo. Only hardworking comments to our boss. Our kids see family things, our drunken buddies don't.
Am thrilled about this!
Now we need ot get everyone to use them. :-)
Judge dismisses MySpace cyberbully case - Network World
Judge temporarily dismisses MySpace cyberbully case - Network WorldI have said from the beginning that I wanted Lori Drew brought to justice. I didn't expect her to serve jail time, but wanted her to face a jury of her peers. She has. Forever she will be remembered at "That Mom!" Far more than jail time, Lori Drew will face a jury of her peers every time she walks down the street, introduces herself or meets new customers. She will always be "that mom!" to millions. That is justice.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
» Cyber Bullying Stopped: Go Daddy Web Site Pulled - Blogger News Network
» Cyber Bullying Stopped: Go Daddy Web Site Pulled - Blogger News NetworkJuicyCampus and others launched a new business model online - promoting hate and viciousness. It hit the dust after many of us reacted. But the trick was finding a hole. I found on with JuciyCampus and informed a few attorneys general about the consumer fraud issue I had discovered. After that it was only a matter of time.
Now it appears that GoDaddy took action as well.
Good for them!
Now it appears that GoDaddy took action as well.
Good for them!
Friday, June 19, 2009
3 O.C. men arrested in child sex crimes cases | sex, having, accused, brown, crimes - News - OCRegister.com#slComments
3 O.C. men arrested in child sex crimes cases | sex, having, accused, brown, crimes - News - OCRegister.com#slCommentsmore live video sexual exploitation cases.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Mesa man thinks Twitter lead to robbery
Mesa man thinks Twitter lead to robberywith so much of a focus on sexual predators using personal information to meet our children - people forget the more frequent risks of creeps breaking into your home or using your travel info to commit crimes against you...
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Police
PoliceAs people become more bold about capturing crimes on video, I hope it makes law enforcement's job easier.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
'Sexting' problem grows in the Treasure Valley | Local News | Idaho Statesman
'Sexting' problem grows in the Treasure Valley | Local News | Idaho Statesmanit is happening everywhere!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Cyber spies targeting governments, financial institutions - Winnipeg Free Press
Cyber spies targeting governments, financial institutions - Winnipeg Free PressFew realize how much consumers can help or hurt in cases of cyberterrorism or cyberwarfare. By infecting consumers laptops and desktops with trojan horses and other remote-controlled malware that can be programmed to act in unity to attack the cybercriminals' target site or networks, consumers can be enlisted unwittingly in the attacks. A simple fix? You bet. Quality security software and hardware products can keep mre than the consumer safe. They can keep a nation and indsutry grid safe as well.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
BBC NEWS | Americas | Alarm bells ring over "sexting"
BBC NEWS | Americas | Alarm bells ring over "sexting"This has gone from relatively unknown issue (except t teens and those of us working with them), to something that has driven a Law & Order piece last week, and news worldwide. I was recently in Cabo, Mexico and learned that it is a problem there. I am receiving emaisl from around the US, Canada and the world seeking help.
Our campaign on this is "Don't Be Stupid!" look for more....
Our campaign on this is "Don't Be Stupid!" look for more....
Thursday, May 14, 2009
U.S. Sen. Menendez unveils legislation establishing internet-safety grant program - NJ.com
U.S. Sen. Menendez unveils legislation establishing internet-safety grant program - NJ.comFinally! competitive grants and not over-lobbied earmarks! I thanked Sen Menedenz and Congreeewoman Wasserman Schultz for sponsoring this and hope it is adopted quickly. We need to help to protect our kids and give them cyberliteracy skills.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
Teens Who Transmit Explicit Photos Can Get Caught in Web of Porn Laws - washingtonpost.com
Teens Who Transmit Explicit Photos Can Get Caught in Web of Porn Laws - washingtonpost.comat some point, parents will believe me when I tell them this is happening everywhere to all kids.
How to Be Safe Online - Facebook Breakup Tips - Cosmopolitan.com
How to Be Safe Online - Facebook Breakup Tips - Cosmopolitan.coma reat piece that highlights my latest tips for avoiding problems online. Sadly, the link should have been to wiredsafety.org where we help victims of cyberstalking.
Cibersur.com - INTERNETamiga promueve el uso seguro de la Red por parte de la población adolescente de todo el mundo
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
How things have changed...sifting the responsible gambling sites from the rest isn't easy. Laws can help.
Are We Raising Future Riverboat Gamblers in Cyberspace?
Gambling is thriving in the Internet arena,
even while facing strict governmental controls elsewhere. (It's illegal to use financial institutions to gamble online.)
Most of the gambling sites are hosted offshore, which makes law enforcement
more difficult. Many require prepayment in the form of credit
card advances, debit card advances, or wired funds. A simple search on
any of the search engines will result in thousands of gambling sites.
And your teenager’s money is as good as anyone else’s.
Frankly, I was surprised that kids are using the gambling sites as
much as they reportedly are. But with more and more children having
their own credit card on our accounts for emergency purposes, as well
as generous allowances and access to savings accounts that hold their
birthday cash, baby-sitting earnings, and paper route money gathered
over the years, it’s apparently easier than ever for them to gamble it
away.
Sometimes they’ll even use our credit card and hope we don’t notice
when the statement arrives. (And, surprisingly enough, we often don’t.)
What Can You Do About It?
Keep an eye on your credit card statements and on your children’s
savings account balances. Blocking their ability to send out credit card
information over the Internet might make it harder for them to gamble
online. (Some of the filtering products allow you to block certain outgoing
information.) In addition, if the computer is centrally located
under your watchful eyes, you may be able to keep them off of the
gambling sites entirely.
Let them also know that many of the gambling sites are scams, and many hold on to your winnings under the guise of international currency laws.
Gambling online is a no-win game for children and teens.
Gambling is thriving in the Internet arena,
even while facing strict governmental controls elsewhere. (It's illegal to use financial institutions to gamble online.)
Most of the gambling sites are hosted offshore, which makes law enforcement
more difficult. Many require prepayment in the form of credit
card advances, debit card advances, or wired funds. A simple search on
any of the search engines will result in thousands of gambling sites.
And your teenager’s money is as good as anyone else’s.
Frankly, I was surprised that kids are using the gambling sites as
much as they reportedly are. But with more and more children having
their own credit card on our accounts for emergency purposes, as well
as generous allowances and access to savings accounts that hold their
birthday cash, baby-sitting earnings, and paper route money gathered
over the years, it’s apparently easier than ever for them to gamble it
away.
Sometimes they’ll even use our credit card and hope we don’t notice
when the statement arrives. (And, surprisingly enough, we often don’t.)
What Can You Do About It?
Keep an eye on your credit card statements and on your children’s
savings account balances. Blocking their ability to send out credit card
information over the Internet might make it harder for them to gamble
online. (Some of the filtering products allow you to block certain outgoing
information.) In addition, if the computer is centrally located
under your watchful eyes, you may be able to keep them off of the
gambling sites entirely.
Let them also know that many of the gambling sites are scams, and many hold on to your winnings under the guise of international currency laws.
Gambling online is a no-win game for children and teens.
Internet Safety: Ask Parry! - Answers
Internet Safety: Ask Parry! - AnswersAnswers to a mom about her son's spending hundreds of dollars gambling online. The law had changed since I wrote this, dealing with payments to gambling sites online. But otherwise, the challenge of keeping kids form gambling online remains.
Gambling Online - what's the best way to handle it and keep people safer?
I first wrote about online gambling in my book for parents on cybersafety - A Parent's Guide to the Internet, published in 1997. It was the first cybersafety book written for parents in the world.
Even then, kids were gambling online - illegally, but gambling nonetheless.
Aside the fact that parents wanted to be able to keep their kids from gambling, many gambling sites were committing fraud, refusing to pay winners, rigging the games and sending malicious code and assisting in money laundering.
In the US online gambling is covered by the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). It technically doesn't make gambling online illegal. It instead prohibits the use of any financial institution from permitting transfers/payments for gambling.
Our belief is that the best way to protect consumers from fraud, scams and underage online gambling is by legalizing it. Then we can regulate it, set rules and require that they run honest games, keep kids off and prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering and privacy violations.
We have been exploring this as one of the new issues we are facing online. Barney Frank's new bill addresses this issue. We have commissioned a study using independent academics to see if this provides answers to the risks we have identified.
Want to know what we think and why? Feel free to ask me at parry@aftab.com.
Even then, kids were gambling online - illegally, but gambling nonetheless.
Aside the fact that parents wanted to be able to keep their kids from gambling, many gambling sites were committing fraud, refusing to pay winners, rigging the games and sending malicious code and assisting in money laundering.
In the US online gambling is covered by the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). It technically doesn't make gambling online illegal. It instead prohibits the use of any financial institution from permitting transfers/payments for gambling.
Our belief is that the best way to protect consumers from fraud, scams and underage online gambling is by legalizing it. Then we can regulate it, set rules and require that they run honest games, keep kids off and prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering and privacy violations.
We have been exploring this as one of the new issues we are facing online. Barney Frank's new bill addresses this issue. We have commissioned a study using independent academics to see if this provides answers to the risks we have identified.
Want to know what we think and why? Feel free to ask me at parry@aftab.com.
legalizing online gambling....new bill will legalize online gambling to regulate it
Advisory: Frank to Hold Press Conference to Unveil Internet Gambling Legislation
Washington, D.C. – Tomorrow, Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) will hold a press conference to unveil legislation that will enable Americans to bet online and put an end to an inappropriate interference with their personal freedom.
The new bill would create an exemption to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) for operators that are licensed and regulated. UIGEA, which was enacted in 2006, restricts the use of the payments system for Americans who seek the freedom to gamble online.
WHO: Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank
WHAT: Press Conference to Discuss Legislation to Enable Americans to Bet Online WHEN: Wednesday, May 6, 2009
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Room 2220, Rayburn House Office Building
Reporters who cannot attend the press conference will be able to access a listen-only conference call. For dial-in information and password, email Elizabeth Esfahani at elizabeth.esfahani@mail.house.gov.
Washington, D.C. – Tomorrow, Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) will hold a press conference to unveil legislation that will enable Americans to bet online and put an end to an inappropriate interference with their personal freedom.
The new bill would create an exemption to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) for operators that are licensed and regulated. UIGEA, which was enacted in 2006, restricts the use of the payments system for Americans who seek the freedom to gamble online.
WHO: Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank
WHAT: Press Conference to Discuss Legislation to Enable Americans to Bet Online WHEN: Wednesday, May 6, 2009
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Room 2220, Rayburn House Office Building
Reporters who cannot attend the press conference will be able to access a listen-only conference call. For dial-in information and password, email Elizabeth Esfahani at elizabeth.esfahani@mail.house.gov.
Monday, May 04, 2009
National Journal Online -- Tech Daily Dose -- NTIA Unveils Web Safety Working Group
National Journal Online -- Tech Daily Dose -- NTIA Unveils Web Safety Working GroupParry was named to the NTIA Working Group
Facebook's 'Porn Cops' Are Key to Its Growth | Newsweek Enterprise - Technology
Facebook's 'Porn Cops' Are Key to Its Growth | Newsweek Enterprise - Technologyit takes a village to keep a social network out of trouble. Facebook does a much better job than most.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
wiredmoms intro video
WiredMomslearn about wiredmoms and some of wiredsafety's initatives. we need more help - always!
McAfee, Inc. Introduces First Online Center to Assist Victims of Cybercrime
McAfee, Inc. Introduces First Online Center to Assist Victims of CybercrimeThis is an important resource for victims of cybercrime and abuse. It helps uncomplicate reporting of cybercrimes and let's consumers know if they are likely victims, based on their Internet use patterns and, if they want, scans of their system.
And it's free.
And it's free.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
National Telecommunications and Information AdministrationThe new cybersafety task force for the US government was annnounced today. Parry was one of the 24 people selected.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Protect our children: From Themselves - 4/25/09 - New York News and Tri-State News - 7online.com
Protect our children: From Themselves - 4/25/09 - New York News and Tri-State News - 7online.comThe NY metro area ABC news team has been putting together an annual special on protecting kids. I have been doing this since 1999, and each year it gets better. Check out our interviews on cyberbullying, and the other segments. The teen in this segment is one of my Teenangels, a program that was created as a result of the first spcial I did for this series.
Watch it, you might learn something! :-)
Watch it, you might learn something! :-)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Online ads avenues for offline danger - The Boston Globe
Online ads avenues for offline danger - The Boston GlobeAl Kush, deputy executive director of WiredSafety speaks on craigslist safety.
YouTube - Parry Aftab 1-3
YouTube - Parry Aftab 1-3interviews in Mexico about cybercrimes and cybersafety
Craigslist Killing: Rare, But Not Unique - CBS News
Craigslist Killing: Rare, But Not Unique - CBS NewsI hate when we blame the Internet for things people do.
want to help? follow wiredmoms on twitter.
want to help? follow wiredmoms on twitter.
48 Hours ran a special on the Craigslist-connected murder.
Watch CBS Videos OnlineWhen asked on camera whether Craigslist is to blame, my answer is the same as always. Don't blame the medium for the message. Had her murderer used a phone book or the local paper to find her ad, would anyone call this the phone book murders?
Friday, April 24, 2009
Cumberland teen charged with Facebook threat - PennLive.com
Cumberland teen charged with Facebook threat - PennLive.comThreats are threats, online and offline...
Menendez will unveil plan to boost cyber safety for students - NJ.com
Menendez will unveil plan to boost cyber safety for students - NJ.comOne of the problems we face is the lack of quality research in what works and what doesn't in cybersafety ethics and education. Senator Menendez has proposed legislation to create funding and a targeted educational approach to cybersafety. We were delighted to have him join us in announcing the bill while sharing his goals for family cybersafety.
Authorities Claim Teens' Brawl Taped for Internet | TriCities
Authorities Claim Teens' Brawl Taped for Internet | TriCitiesMore and more, teens and tweens are acting out for their 15 megabytes of fame.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Huge NJ Child Porn Ring Busted
21 individuals were arrested, five of whom were underage, in a multi-county child porn bust announced by Bergen County Prosecutor and NJ's Attorney General. The images found on their computers ranged from 2 year olds being molested to other children below the age of puberty.
Congratulations to a great team of law enforcement agents and agencies!
want to help stop this kind of thing? Follow WiredMoms on twitter. We're building a cyberarmy of moms!
Congratulations to a great team of law enforcement agents and agencies!
want to help stop this kind of thing? Follow WiredMoms on twitter. We're building a cyberarmy of moms!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
WiredMoms...
I have been talking about creating a cyberarmy of moms ot help keep everyone safer online, as well as their own kids.
I met this extraordinary woman who can help me make this happen.
to join or just hang out a bit, follow us at wiredmoms on twitter
we've got lots of surprises!
I met this extraordinary woman who can help me make this happen.
to join or just hang out a bit, follow us at wiredmoms on twitter
we've got lots of surprises!
When all parts of your life collide – on Facebook!
Many of us have family members we wish we could disown. We are convinced that their DNA could have nothing in common with ours and suspect they were switched at birth. We also have ex’s, well I better not go there…
Kids we went to camp with who knew we still wet the bed at 8. The first boy who we ever kissed and locked braces with accidentally. The job we were fired from at 24, or the employee we just terminated. Our pastors, priests and rabbis, for whom we try and look pious. Our bosses for whom we try and look dedicated and sober. Our children for whom we want to look responsible and steadfast.
We know people who knew us when we had a full head of hair, were a cheerleader (or couldn’t make the squad), were thin, were prom queen or class geek. They knew our old noses, when we struck out and if we cheated on tests.
We have close friends who know lots of things about us, but everything. Our new romantic interests don’t know all about our past. And our past romantic interests haven't figured out how to reach out to the new one(s).
We spend our lives building walls between our work life, play life, community life, being-on-good- behavior life, school life, early life, the life we want others to think we have, the life we really have, our partying-hard life and our past we- want- no- one- to- ever- find- out- about life. And then, with a few random friend requests and friends of friends we are outted to the world!
Our boss knows that your calling in sick last Monday was a direct result of your partying too late Sunday night when he sees a pic of you wearing a lampshade and nothing else. And our kids will find out we actually inhaled – lots! The best impression we hoped to make with our new boyfriend’s parents is ruined by our old boyfriend’s private store of provocative pics we were stupid enough to share with him.
People we are interviewing with for a new job can post on your wall with all your work team watching. And that purple mohawk you sported at 16 might end up becoming the golf buddy’s pic of the month. Playing paintball on weekends, when everyone thought you were on the Hamptons playing tennis might alter your swanky image. And that unguarded moment when you left your house in your sloppiest sweats, bunny slippers and without brushing your hair to get a quart of milk, hoping you wouldn’t run into anyone you knew, becomes your claim to fame as your pic is tagged and spreading like wildfire.
Welcome to the collision of your past, present and future - the good, the bad and the ugly. We no longer have any secrets or places to hide them. We can never get a fresh start. We are what we are…and everyone will know what that is.
Think about it.
Kids we went to camp with who knew we still wet the bed at 8. The first boy who we ever kissed and locked braces with accidentally. The job we were fired from at 24, or the employee we just terminated. Our pastors, priests and rabbis, for whom we try and look pious. Our bosses for whom we try and look dedicated and sober. Our children for whom we want to look responsible and steadfast.
We know people who knew us when we had a full head of hair, were a cheerleader (or couldn’t make the squad), were thin, were prom queen or class geek. They knew our old noses, when we struck out and if we cheated on tests.
We have close friends who know lots of things about us, but everything. Our new romantic interests don’t know all about our past. And our past romantic interests haven't figured out how to reach out to the new one(s).
We spend our lives building walls between our work life, play life, community life, being-on-good- behavior life, school life, early life, the life we want others to think we have, the life we really have, our partying-hard life and our past we- want- no- one- to- ever- find- out- about life. And then, with a few random friend requests and friends of friends we are outted to the world!
Our boss knows that your calling in sick last Monday was a direct result of your partying too late Sunday night when he sees a pic of you wearing a lampshade and nothing else. And our kids will find out we actually inhaled – lots! The best impression we hoped to make with our new boyfriend’s parents is ruined by our old boyfriend’s private store of provocative pics we were stupid enough to share with him.
People we are interviewing with for a new job can post on your wall with all your work team watching. And that purple mohawk you sported at 16 might end up becoming the golf buddy’s pic of the month. Playing paintball on weekends, when everyone thought you were on the Hamptons playing tennis might alter your swanky image. And that unguarded moment when you left your house in your sloppiest sweats, bunny slippers and without brushing your hair to get a quart of milk, hoping you wouldn’t run into anyone you knew, becomes your claim to fame as your pic is tagged and spreading like wildfire.
Welcome to the collision of your past, present and future - the good, the bad and the ugly. We no longer have any secrets or places to hide them. We can never get a fresh start. We are what we are…and everyone will know what that is.
Think about it.
Suspect held in Craigslist killing charged in 2nd crime - USATODAY.com
Suspect held in Craigslist killing charged in 2nd crime - USATODAY.comParry Aftab makes it clear that the problem is not with craigslist, but with risks posed by any interaction with strangers. Inviting anyone into your home to check out your used sofa, buy a car or work as a nanny comes with risks. So does dating someone you don't know well. Do your homework. Check out the person on Google. Do they live where they say they do? Do they have a listed phone number? Google their email address, if they are using one. Call their local police department and ask if they are known to the department as being a problem or a good neighbor. Search for other ads they may have posted. Is the ad too good to be true? If so, move to the next one. No deal is that good! If you are interested in finding romance, check out wiredsafety's cyberromance tips (wiredsafety.org). Looking for a job or to hire? Meet in a public place, check out the business telephone numbers and see how long they have been in business. Ask for references and check them out and make sure it's a real reference, not just someone posing as someone else. Don't bring lots of cash with you to buy that hot tub unless you also bring a sumo wrestler friend or two. Don't take a check if you are releasing the good before it clears, and even then, some kiting schemes won't show a bad check for weeks.
Use your head. We get hurt when we get greedy, move too fast and forget what our moms taught us when we were in kindergarten.
It's buyer beware.
Now, go find that great deal on a hot tub on Craigslist, just be careful!
Use your head. We get hurt when we get greedy, move too fast and forget what our moms taught us when we were in kindergarten.
It's buyer beware.
Now, go find that great deal on a hot tub on Craigslist, just be careful!
Monday, April 20, 2009
1+1=10 « Maxine Clark’s Blog
1+1=10 « Maxine Clark’s BlogEver since I gave up my law practice to donate my time and money to protecting kids and everyone online, I was been blessed with meeting special people and opportunities along the way to give me a greater reach to do good.
On Saturday I met Maxine, Build-a Bear Workshop's real momma bear. I feel sorry for all those in her incredible team who had to keep track of Maxine and my conversation as we jumped from who should be involved, to how we know people to help the other to amazing ideas to help kids and families of special kids, sick kids and all kids.
Cyberbullying is a problem that affects kids starting in 2nd and 3rd grade, peaking in 4th grade and again in 7th-8th grade.
We teach everyone to Stop, Block and Tell! stop, don't answer back, block the person, bear or message and tell a trusted adult (or panda in the case of our sumo pandas).
If we can teach all the kids to stop, block and tell, we'd take a bit bite out of cyberbullying. (We work with McGruff too :-))
Can't wait to sit at Maxine's feet and learn her secret sauce and source of incredible and kind energy.
On Saturday I met Maxine, Build-a Bear Workshop's real momma bear. I feel sorry for all those in her incredible team who had to keep track of Maxine and my conversation as we jumped from who should be involved, to how we know people to help the other to amazing ideas to help kids and families of special kids, sick kids and all kids.
Cyberbullying is a problem that affects kids starting in 2nd and 3rd grade, peaking in 4th grade and again in 7th-8th grade.
We teach everyone to Stop, Block and Tell! stop, don't answer back, block the person, bear or message and tell a trusted adult (or panda in the case of our sumo pandas).
If we can teach all the kids to stop, block and tell, we'd take a bit bite out of cyberbullying. (We work with McGruff too :-))
Can't wait to sit at Maxine's feet and learn her secret sauce and source of incredible and kind energy.
The Dangers of 'Sexting' - Sex Scandals, Real People Stories : People.com
The Dangers of 'Sexting' - Sex Scandals, Real People Stories : People.comA follow-up on People's original piece a few weeks ago on sexting. For clarity, we need two new laws (or modifications of existing laws). We need to enhance the penalties for harassment when sexual images or sexual threats are involved. We also need to reduce the penalties and level of crime for child pornography when images of underage teens are sent voluntarily to another minor.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Issues that make people passionate...
Over the last fifteen years since I have been a cyberlawyer and the last 12 years since I have been a voice in the kids online safety community there have been only a handful of issues that have moved everyone. The death of 13 yr old Christina Long at the hands of an Internet sexual predator 6 years ago, the suicide death of Meagan Meier after being tormented online at the hands of a middle-aged mother, Lori Drew 2-1/2 years ago, and sexting.
Jessie Logan was 18 when she took and shared a nude picture of herself with a boy she was seeing. He was 19. He shared the picture with a 16 year old girl who shared it with the world. When no one at her school would help her, and law enforcement turned a blindeye, Jessie appeared incognito on TV to share her story with other teens, warning them of the harassment and high costs of sharing nude pictures with others. Even then, the torment continued after after a schoolmate committed suicide for unrelated reasons, she hanged herself.
Her text messages had been deleted from her cell phone, when she tossed it into the center of her room before she died. No one knows what she had received before she died. She had just taken a shower and washed her hair and was spending the night with friends. It makes sense that the sudden change in mood had something to do with her constant tormentors.
But we'll never know.
When her mother, Cynthia, came out with Jessie's story and asked for tougher harassment laws and a lessening of penalties for young people voluntarily sharing their nude pics with other young people, instead of getting the sympathy she deserved for the loss of her only child, she receives torments of her own.
People post horrible things. And while the emails and posts are running 10 - 1 kind to mean, there are still too many mean messages.
Tina Meier received many mean messages too, following her going public about her daughter's tormentor. But Lori was very unsympathetic, so the messages were as much against a mother's horrible acts of targeting a vulnerable teen as for the Meiers.
But who is to blame in Jessie's case? A 19 year old boy she was seeing, a 16 year old girl who harassed her and a school and school resource officer who failed her? A legal system that wouldn't aid her in stopping the torment?
There is enormous sympathy for Jessie, and I am seeing a movement of young teens who are being more careful and helping spread the word about how much it hurts when you naked pic is circulated to everyone in town. Jessie wanted to help others avoid her pain and in death she will have a huge impact on helping others. The Jessie Challenge helps young people say "no" when asked for a pic, or say "no" when asked to pass it on, or say "enough" to this growing trend.
But there is even greater sympathy for boys and girls who are being charged as sex offenders, and if convicted of this serious felony, required to be a registered sex offender with all that entails. Boys are prosecuted more than girls are, for the same acts. People are angry about the inequity of that.
Even in her grief, Cynthia Logan is seeking equity for the kind of young people who harassed her daughter. She wants the penalities reduced when teens share their nude pics voluntarily with each other. She wants to make sure that teens are not charged as sex offenders, or required to register. She wants counseling, community service and public apologies when others are hurt. She wants an enhancement of the harassment laws when they use sexual exploitation as a weapon to hurt their victims, as well.
But more than anything else, she wants justice in her daughter's name. She wants to make sure that schools do their part when harassment takes place on campus during school hours. She wants achool resource officers to protect the students in their charge, even if they are 18-year-old seniors. They deserve protection as much as the sophmores, juniors, freshmen do. She wants apologies from the teens who made Jessie's life hell during the four months before her death. She wants kindness form the town in which she lives. She wants those who watch her on TV and read about her to understand her.
Many news outlets have mistakenly reported that I am her lawyer. I am not. I run the world's largest and oldest cybersafety charity. I am an unpaid volunteer, along with the rest of our all-volunteer charity staff. I happen to be a lawyer as well, but advise on policy and do not represent individuals. I am working with Cynthia to help raise awareness and find justice for Jessie and equity for other teens.
Those who post hateful messages attacking a grieving mother or blame Jessie for what her harassers did are missing the point. Unless we teach accountability and consequences to teens, far too many will do things they will regret. And when we, as teens did things we regretted we were lucky enough to have them contained in our small circles of friends, and communities. But the teens of today will find them everywhere. What you post online stays online - forever!
So, we need to balance all needs here:
1. The need for a balanced legal framework that punishes harassment at the right level, treats all actors equally, recognizes that the child exploitation laws should not apply to make stupid acts a felony sex offense;
2. The need for schools to be trained in how to handle cyberharassment and cyberbullying and be there to help when students are tormented and not make things worse;
3. The need to find help for students who are cyberharassed and cyberbullied and find themselves in the midst of hate campaigns, with people they can tak to, get help from and trust;
4. The need to teach parents that sexting and sexing ("sexing" is when any digital device is used, not only a cell phone) is far more common than they think and good kids are doing it, not only "those kids." And that parents have to stay informed, keep an eye on their kids and teach them about consequences and judgement;
5. The need for device manufacturers and service providers to help by creating awareness campaigns, abuse reporting buttons and taking action when their devices and services are used in cyberbullying and sexting campaigns.
Together we can address each of these, and if the people who are taking time to attack others or pass along misinformation and hype instead directed their time and efforts to helping, we'd be able to do so far faster and better than without them.
my 2 cents
Parry
Jessie Logan was 18 when she took and shared a nude picture of herself with a boy she was seeing. He was 19. He shared the picture with a 16 year old girl who shared it with the world. When no one at her school would help her, and law enforcement turned a blindeye, Jessie appeared incognito on TV to share her story with other teens, warning them of the harassment and high costs of sharing nude pictures with others. Even then, the torment continued after after a schoolmate committed suicide for unrelated reasons, she hanged herself.
Her text messages had been deleted from her cell phone, when she tossed it into the center of her room before she died. No one knows what she had received before she died. She had just taken a shower and washed her hair and was spending the night with friends. It makes sense that the sudden change in mood had something to do with her constant tormentors.
But we'll never know.
When her mother, Cynthia, came out with Jessie's story and asked for tougher harassment laws and a lessening of penalties for young people voluntarily sharing their nude pics with other young people, instead of getting the sympathy she deserved for the loss of her only child, she receives torments of her own.
People post horrible things. And while the emails and posts are running 10 - 1 kind to mean, there are still too many mean messages.
Tina Meier received many mean messages too, following her going public about her daughter's tormentor. But Lori was very unsympathetic, so the messages were as much against a mother's horrible acts of targeting a vulnerable teen as for the Meiers.
But who is to blame in Jessie's case? A 19 year old boy she was seeing, a 16 year old girl who harassed her and a school and school resource officer who failed her? A legal system that wouldn't aid her in stopping the torment?
There is enormous sympathy for Jessie, and I am seeing a movement of young teens who are being more careful and helping spread the word about how much it hurts when you naked pic is circulated to everyone in town. Jessie wanted to help others avoid her pain and in death she will have a huge impact on helping others. The Jessie Challenge helps young people say "no" when asked for a pic, or say "no" when asked to pass it on, or say "enough" to this growing trend.
But there is even greater sympathy for boys and girls who are being charged as sex offenders, and if convicted of this serious felony, required to be a registered sex offender with all that entails. Boys are prosecuted more than girls are, for the same acts. People are angry about the inequity of that.
Even in her grief, Cynthia Logan is seeking equity for the kind of young people who harassed her daughter. She wants the penalities reduced when teens share their nude pics voluntarily with each other. She wants to make sure that teens are not charged as sex offenders, or required to register. She wants counseling, community service and public apologies when others are hurt. She wants an enhancement of the harassment laws when they use sexual exploitation as a weapon to hurt their victims, as well.
But more than anything else, she wants justice in her daughter's name. She wants to make sure that schools do their part when harassment takes place on campus during school hours. She wants achool resource officers to protect the students in their charge, even if they are 18-year-old seniors. They deserve protection as much as the sophmores, juniors, freshmen do. She wants apologies from the teens who made Jessie's life hell during the four months before her death. She wants kindness form the town in which she lives. She wants those who watch her on TV and read about her to understand her.
Many news outlets have mistakenly reported that I am her lawyer. I am not. I run the world's largest and oldest cybersafety charity. I am an unpaid volunteer, along with the rest of our all-volunteer charity staff. I happen to be a lawyer as well, but advise on policy and do not represent individuals. I am working with Cynthia to help raise awareness and find justice for Jessie and equity for other teens.
Those who post hateful messages attacking a grieving mother or blame Jessie for what her harassers did are missing the point. Unless we teach accountability and consequences to teens, far too many will do things they will regret. And when we, as teens did things we regretted we were lucky enough to have them contained in our small circles of friends, and communities. But the teens of today will find them everywhere. What you post online stays online - forever!
So, we need to balance all needs here:
1. The need for a balanced legal framework that punishes harassment at the right level, treats all actors equally, recognizes that the child exploitation laws should not apply to make stupid acts a felony sex offense;
2. The need for schools to be trained in how to handle cyberharassment and cyberbullying and be there to help when students are tormented and not make things worse;
3. The need to find help for students who are cyberharassed and cyberbullied and find themselves in the midst of hate campaigns, with people they can tak to, get help from and trust;
4. The need to teach parents that sexting and sexing ("sexing" is when any digital device is used, not only a cell phone) is far more common than they think and good kids are doing it, not only "those kids." And that parents have to stay informed, keep an eye on their kids and teach them about consequences and judgement;
5. The need for device manufacturers and service providers to help by creating awareness campaigns, abuse reporting buttons and taking action when their devices and services are used in cyberbullying and sexting campaigns.
Together we can address each of these, and if the people who are taking time to attack others or pass along misinformation and hype instead directed their time and efforts to helping, we'd be able to do so far faster and better than without them.
my 2 cents
Parry
Friday, April 17, 2009
Inside the Minds of Teens Who Post Sexual Images of Themselves - ABC News
Inside the Minds of Teens Who Post Sexual Images of Themselves - ABC Newssexing (using any device, as opposed to sexting using only a cell phone) has been going on for eleven years or longer. The first instance I encountered was in NY in 1998. But now it is even more popular and easier to do, spread and be used against others.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Answers to Your Sexting Questions - ABC News
Answers to Your Sexting Questions - ABC Newsfollow wiredmoms on twitter to join our cyberarmy of moms!
The Truth About Teens Sexting - ABC News
The Truth About Teens Sexting - ABC Newsour GMA Town Meeting...on sexting!
5 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe Online - ABC News
5 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe Online - ABC Newsfrom my Girl Scouts training program on cybersafety.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Mom, lawmakers push for 'sexting' misdemeanor | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com
Mom, lawmakers push for 'sexting' misdemeanor | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.ComNew bill creates flexibility for prosecutors to avoid sentencing kids under child porn laws when they voluntarily shared nude pics of themselves. I think this bill looks pretty good and the state representative pulled this together in an incredibly responsive way.
Friday, April 10, 2009
a picture is worth a thousand words! especially when our teens are at risk!
Pics, pics and pics! Taking, sharing and commenting on pictures and videos online is one of teens’ favorite pastimes. They take them using their cell phones, Xbox 360, pocket video cameras and wifi-capable digital cameras. They store them on their DS and PSP devices, computers, flash drives, media cards and online services. The good thing is that these pics let them share their creativity and lives with family and friends. The bad thing is that it lets them share their personal information, impulsivity and sexuality with everyone online. Sexting (when young people share nude or sexual images of themselves and friends with others using text-messaging on cell phones) and Sexing (when they use any digital technology, including cell phones to do this) is on the rise and far more common than parents know.
Good teens, model students and teen leaders alike are all likely candidates for “girls gone wild” online! They start at about 13 and continue throughout their teens. The younger ones do it to look “mature” and audition for the older boys’ attention. The older teens do it to show how much they “love” their boyfriend or to get even after a bad breakup, showing him how much he is “missing.” They do it from a slumber party for fun, or take the pic of one of the girls they don’t like in the bathroom, locker room or dressing room to use as a weapon to hurt her. And boys do it too. Not as often as girls, but far too often.
And a picture is worth a thousand words! Even the more careful teens will share pictures or videos online that give away far too much personal information about them. Their house may appear in the background, or their car with license plate in plain view. Their Girl Scout uniform can give away their troop, which in turn gives away their location and activities. And even if they are careful about what they post, their friends may not be.
What’s the takeaway? Sit down and ask to see their “pics.” Look through their collections on their cell phones, gaming handhelds and Xbox, on their computers, flash drives and media cards and on Facebook, MySpace, myYearbook and Youtube and at PhotoBucket and Flickr online photo-sharing sites. Look at their friends pics too and follow your teen’s tagged pics. (They will show you what that means.) Be interested, don’t be a snoop. You may have some fun, share in your teen’s life and help them be safer all at once! If you don’t ask…they won’t tell!
Good teens, model students and teen leaders alike are all likely candidates for “girls gone wild” online! They start at about 13 and continue throughout their teens. The younger ones do it to look “mature” and audition for the older boys’ attention. The older teens do it to show how much they “love” their boyfriend or to get even after a bad breakup, showing him how much he is “missing.” They do it from a slumber party for fun, or take the pic of one of the girls they don’t like in the bathroom, locker room or dressing room to use as a weapon to hurt her. And boys do it too. Not as often as girls, but far too often.
And a picture is worth a thousand words! Even the more careful teens will share pictures or videos online that give away far too much personal information about them. Their house may appear in the background, or their car with license plate in plain view. Their Girl Scout uniform can give away their troop, which in turn gives away their location and activities. And even if they are careful about what they post, their friends may not be.
What’s the takeaway? Sit down and ask to see their “pics.” Look through their collections on their cell phones, gaming handhelds and Xbox, on their computers, flash drives and media cards and on Facebook, MySpace, myYearbook and Youtube and at PhotoBucket and Flickr online photo-sharing sites. Look at their friends pics too and follow your teen’s tagged pics. (They will show you what that means.) Be interested, don’t be a snoop. You may have some fun, share in your teen’s life and help them be safer all at once! If you don’t ask…they won’t tell!
WiredSafety: the world's largest Internet safety, help and education resource.
WiredSafety: the world's largest Internet safety, help and education resource.want to learn more about WiredMoms and things you can do to keep yourself and your family safer this year? I just posted a new video overview on WiredSafety. We're recruiting a cyberarmy of moms. Got some time to learn and share? We Need You!!! :-)
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Psychology: Keep an eye on your teen's Internet use • Columnists (www.HometownAnnapolis.com - The Capital)
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Send Your Sexting Questions to 'GMA' - ABC News
Send Your Sexting Questions to 'GMA' - ABC NewsOn April 15th, for a TV morning first. Good Morning America will host a 1/2 hour town meeting on sexting. On the 16th I will be on again, this time to answer questions submitted, live. Got a question, share it. This is a growing problem. Share your thoughts.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
McAfee Security Insights Blog » Sexting Can Lead to Death
McAfee Security Insights Blog » Sexting Can Lead to DeathCheck out Good Morning America April 9th at 8am and see what is happening with sexting online.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Cleveland shooting shows how cyberbullying is spreading and leading to real-world confrontations - Metro - cleveland.com
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sexting Victim is also the Perpetrator - ChildLaw Blog
Sexting Victim is also the Perpetrator - ChildLaw BlogI hope that the NJ AG will follow-through and I offer my help in any way she may need it. we need a solution that isn't too hot or too cold, just right.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
A debate swirls over teens' lurid pictures - NJ.com
A debate swirls over teens' lurid pictures - NJ.comWe need two new laws and we are working on proposing an enhancementof the harrassment laws for when students pass around these images to hurt their target and one that reduces the criminality when young people possess images of each other and harrassment is not implicated.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Twitter - what is it and why should we care?
Twitter / HomeI am using Twitter to share short packets of info with people who want to receive it.
We are using it to organize my cyberarmy of moms and am trying to get the knack of it for other things. Join twitter and follow me and wiremoms. Let's figure it out together.
We are using it to organize my cyberarmy of moms and am trying to get the knack of it for other things. Join twitter and follow me and wiremoms. Let's figure it out together.
DAILY EXCEPTION
DAILY EXCEPTIONI rarely "do" politics. I am too busdy on cybersafety and security issues to spend the time to understand who is real, and who is blowing smoke. I recently met this political analyst on a flight and became a quick and permanent fan.
My guess is, after reading his blog, you will too. You can even follow him on twitter at dailyexpression.
My guess is, after reading his blog, you will too. You can even follow him on twitter at dailyexpression.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Students Sue Prosector in Cellphone Photos Case - NYTimes.com
Students Sue Prosector in Cellphone Photos Case - NYTimes.comBetween a rock and a hard place...the laws are either too hot or too cold and nothing is just right. Prosecutors have some discretion, but generally the kids who pass around images can be charged with state or federal harrassment misdemeanors or felonies (often a slap on the wrist) or with sexual exploitation of minors (child porn crimes). The conviction under the sex crimes often means their becoming a registered sex offender.
I would have thought that mandatory counseling would be a good approach rather than sex crime conviction.
what do we do?
I would have thought that mandatory counseling would be a good approach rather than sex crime conviction.
what do we do?
Keeper League GM: Fantasy Baseball Keeper League and Fantasy Football Dynasty League Strategies
Keeper League GM: Fantasy Baseball Keeper League and Fantasy Football Dynasty League StrategiesLooking for a terrific blog/site on fantasy sports? This is as good as is comes! (And it's created by my son, Michael Caprio. :-))
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
One of WiredSafety's child porn busts, years ago.
Mexico City, October 12, 2001
Press Release No. 690/01
Puebla
FRANCISCO JAVIER MUÑOZ CANO ALVAREZ WAS ARRESTED
· He worked on child pornography
· His arrest was thanks to an accusation via e-mail from France
Due to an accusation via e-mail by Mr. Pedro Velderrain Zazueta, Director of the International Division of WiredSafety in Mexico, agents of the Federal Investigation Police initiated an investigation which derived in the arrest in the city of Puebla of Francisco Javier Muñoz Cano Álvarez, who worked on the production and sale of pornographic material that involves minors.
In his accusation Velderrain Zazueta stated that his organization received reports from a person who detected an Internet page in which they requested children in the city of Puebla to take pictures of them naked.
Likewise, via inter-institutional cooperation they had knowledge that the Unit of Investigation of Delinquency in Technologies of Information of the Direction General of the Judiciary Police in Madrid, Spain has precedents of a message offering compact discs with child pornography of an e-mail account in which they sell digital pictures of pornographic and pedophilia contents.
Due to the previous, agents of the Federal Investigation Police subscribed to the Sub Attorney's Office of Criminal Proceedings "C", along with experts of the Institution, observed the search warrant granted by the Fourth District Judge of that State, due to the inquiry DGMPE/C/IV4/154/00, initiated for the crime of child pornography.
The agents secured a computer, 351 magnetic discs, 20 compact discs and 160 printed images. The described material was obtained through Internet and shows minors in acts of corporal and sexual exhibitionism.
It is important to mention that today criminal action was exercised against Francisco Javier Muñoz Cano Álvarez, declaring before the judicial authority in which he ratified the confession made before the Federal Prosecutor.
Press Release No. 690/01
Puebla
FRANCISCO JAVIER MUÑOZ CANO ALVAREZ WAS ARRESTED
· He worked on child pornography
· His arrest was thanks to an accusation via e-mail from France
Due to an accusation via e-mail by Mr. Pedro Velderrain Zazueta, Director of the International Division of WiredSafety in Mexico, agents of the Federal Investigation Police initiated an investigation which derived in the arrest in the city of Puebla of Francisco Javier Muñoz Cano Álvarez, who worked on the production and sale of pornographic material that involves minors.
In his accusation Velderrain Zazueta stated that his organization received reports from a person who detected an Internet page in which they requested children in the city of Puebla to take pictures of them naked.
Likewise, via inter-institutional cooperation they had knowledge that the Unit of Investigation of Delinquency in Technologies of Information of the Direction General of the Judiciary Police in Madrid, Spain has precedents of a message offering compact discs with child pornography of an e-mail account in which they sell digital pictures of pornographic and pedophilia contents.
Due to the previous, agents of the Federal Investigation Police subscribed to the Sub Attorney's Office of Criminal Proceedings "C", along with experts of the Institution, observed the search warrant granted by the Fourth District Judge of that State, due to the inquiry DGMPE/C/IV4/154/00, initiated for the crime of child pornography.
The agents secured a computer, 351 magnetic discs, 20 compact discs and 160 printed images. The described material was obtained through Internet and shows minors in acts of corporal and sexual exhibitionism.
It is important to mention that today criminal action was exercised against Francisco Javier Muñoz Cano Álvarez, declaring before the judicial authority in which he ratified the confession made before the Federal Prosecutor.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Cyber-security | Sex, lies and the internet | The Economist
Cyber-security | Sex, lies and the internet | The Economistsometimes making it easy is the best way to change things. I loved this article and was honored to have them cite to us.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
"Happy Slapping": Prügeltrend erobert US-Schulen - pressetext.schweiz
"Happy Slapping": Prügeltrend erobert US-Schulen - pressetext.schweizonline fight videos started in Europe.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Sexting Can Lead to Death...the story of Jessie Logan
Sexting Can Lead to DeathThis morning I appeared on the Today Show with Matt Lauer and a very special mother, Cynthia Logan, to discuss what lead her daughter (Jessica) to suicide. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29546030/
Jessica was a bright, funny, great teen who lived in Ohio. When she turned 18, she was dating a 19 year old and sent a few nude photos of herself to him using her cell phone. When they broke up, he sent it to at least one 16-year-old girl who sent it to others. (He now claims that the 16-year-old took it form his cell phone without his knowledge.) The image made the rounds of Jessica’s school and the other community schools. What had been a private communication became public humiliation.
The students were cruel. They called her names and made fun of her. They dubbed her the “porn queen” and she became “that girl.” She confided in her mom, but only told her bits and pieces, never the whole scenario of the torment. Cynthia offered to take her out of school and homeschool her until graduation, but Jessica wanted to stick it out.
Jessie had sought help from her school’s school resource officer (the police officer assigned to her school). But he didn’t offer to do anything other than contact the girl who started the harassment and ask her to take down the images and leave Jessica alone. (Cynthia said that the SRO is now claiming that he gave Jessica the choice between his contacting the other girl and pressing charges, but denies that his claim is true.)
“No one would help!” When Jessie’s mom told me that, I had chills. Cynthia’s simple words and her soft tone (muffled by her trying to hold back tears) remind us that “there but for the grace of God” go all of us. Jessica didn’t want her mom to contact the other parents. (Targets of cyberbullying never do.) They didn’t know what to do.
Then Jessie came up with a plan. She would recount her story on TV to try and keep others from doing things they will regret. So, she appeared (in shadow with her voice disguised) on the local NBC affiliate in Cincinnati last year to help educate other teens about the risks of sexting.
While the TV piece was able to reach so many, the ones who mattered the most – Jessica’s harassers – were unmoved. The harassment continued. The teens were relentless. Cynthia knew that Jessica was hurting, but didn’t know how much. The school would send truancy reports home, but failed to share anything about the ongoing harassment. Why? That remains unanswered.
But Jessica stuck it out and graduated with her class. To Cynthia, it looked like things would improve. When a friend of Jessica’s asked her for a ride to the funeral of a fellow student, Mitch, who had killed himself Jessica became more troubled. “Why,” she asked her mother, “would a teen take his own life?” They talked about it. Cynthia said you never know what goes through someone’s mind when they consider something like this. Jessie seemed angry about Mitch’s suicide. But no one could have known that Jessica had ulterior motives when asking why this young man took his own life. She was looking to see if that was a viable choice for her.
The school never offered counseling for the other students after the young man’s suicide. They never offered counseling for Jessie. They said they couldn’t do anything because she was 18 and that students attended school at their own risk. They took the easy way out. And they failed Jessie..
Jessica went to the funeral with her friend, but didn’t come right home. Cynthia had to call her to get her to come home for dinner. She held the memorial information about the young man in her hand when she came through the doors and tossed it at Cynthia. She seemed agitated, angry. But Cynthia was used to this when things troubled Jessica and thought it was to be expected after the memorial service. The table was set as Jessie climbed the stairs to take a shower.
Cynthia was on a call with her brother when she walked down the upstairs hall. She passed Jessie coming out of the shower. She had no sense that anything was especially wrong.
But that was the last time Cynthia saw her daughter alive.
Cynthia walked upstairs and knocked at Jessie’s door. (She had a knock and open the door policy.) When she didn’t get an answer, she opened it to find Jessica’s cell phone in the middle of the room. She scanned the room looking for Jessica and the closet door was open. Her daughter hanging by her neck from the clothing rod.
Her husband bounded up the stairs at Cynthia’s screams, pulling out a pen knife to cut his daughter down. Jessica was already cold and blue. Their attempts to resuscitate her were futile.
Now Cynthia wants answers. What are the laws? How can she hold the school accountable? Can she make the teens responsible for this harassment apologize before their peers? How can she make sure that Jessica did not die in vain?
As soon as I heard her story, I knew this was something that would change the landscape in cybersafety. Like the story of Megan Meier and her suicide following the harassment of a neighborhood mom posing as a cute sixteen-year-old, Jessica’s name will mean something to teens and preteens.
It combines cyberbullying and the damage that teens can do to other teens when armed with embarrassing and private images and information. It makes the risks of sexting and cyberbullying real.
Sexting is a growing and serious problem. It’s when young people take nude pictures or images of them engaging in real or simulated sex acts on their cell phones or webcams and then send them to others by cell phone or webcams. About 20% of the teen girls we polled said they had taken a nude or sexually explicit cell phone picture or webcam shot of themselves and shared it with others (most often their boyfriends). 14% of the boys share these “private” images with others when they break up with their girlfriends. And 44% of the boys polled admitted to having seen at least one of these sexual images of a classmate.
22% of the girls polled said that they regretted whatever they had recorded on their webcam and 71% use them in their bedroom. And older teens and young adults are even more at risk, with almost 40% of the teens over 18 and college students we polled said they had shared a nude or sexual image with their boyfriend or girlfriend online or by cell phone.
Your daughter could be next.
Beginning immediately, I will be working with Cynthia and her husband Burt to spread awareness about Jessie and the consequences of cyberbullying and the risks of texting. We will be working with Jessie’s friends and my Teenangels to develop a campaign to reach teens and change behavior.
The new StopCyberbullying Coalition will bring individuals, companies, policymakers, educators, healthcare and mental health professionals and media together to address these issues. It will explore all aspects of cyberbullying and how sexting increases the risks of harassment and personal humiliation.
Interested in helping this become the last cyberbullying-related suicide? Want to help us spread the word about sexting and risks to young people online? Join us at WiredSafety.org. We need your help. Help us make sure your child won’t be next.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Jesse Logan - When Cyberbullying Kills....
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Friday, March 06, 2009
Long Island Teen Suing Facebook For Millions - wcbstv.com
Long Island Teen Suing Facebook For Millions - wcbstv.comTeenangels provide CBS with cybersafety tips.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Two Lawyers Fight Cyber-Bullying - National Business News - Portfolio.com
Two Lawyers Fight Cyber-Bullying - National Business News - Portfolio.comThis case will be interesting to watch....
Seven Lies We Tell Ourselves About Facebook | Newsweek Culture | Newsweek.com
Seven Lies We Tell Ourselves About Facebook | Newsweek Culture | Newsweek.comI loved this article! When everyone spends time each and every day changing their status - like we care! But we do! (I do it once in awhile because it's the only FB application I know how to use from my blackberry.)
Monday, March 02, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
NorthJersey.com: POLL: N.J. poised to enact tough Internet predator bill
Senator Menendez (D-NJ) has been leading in cybersafety since I first begane working with him in 1998. He is a remarkable person and has been very helpful with our work to protect children and all consumers online. In addition, the NJ AG has been extremely active in her own right since she took office. NorthJersey.com: POLL: N.J. poised to enact tough Internet predator bill
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Microsoft Turns to Girl Scouts for Internet Safety - For LMK online safety campaign - Softpedia
Microsoft Turns to Girl Scouts for Internet Safety - For LMK online safety campaign - SoftpediaMy only correction is that MS did not tap my expertise, the Girl Scouts did. Microsoft sponsored their project.
Get Game Smart: Video Contest
Get Game Smart: Video ContestPLAY IT SAFE AND WIN!
Do you love video games? Then Get Game Smart with Victoria Justice, honorary Teenangel and star of “Spectacular!” the movie and Zoey 101! Watch her video to learn all about the Get Game Smart Video Contest and team up with your parents to tell us how you create fun and safe gaming experiences in your home with a brief, creative video. You could win amazing prizes including an Xbox 360, Zune digital media player, digital camera, $1,000 cash and more! Visit http://www.getgamesmart.com/spotlight/videocontest for details. Deadline for submissions is March 6 so enter today!
This is a great way for families to learn about safe gaming. shoot a video together and send it in. who kows? maybe yours will be selected and you can join the advisory board for Xbox!
Do you love video games? Then Get Game Smart with Victoria Justice, honorary Teenangel and star of “Spectacular!” the movie and Zoey 101! Watch her video to learn all about the Get Game Smart Video Contest and team up with your parents to tell us how you create fun and safe gaming experiences in your home with a brief, creative video. You could win amazing prizes including an Xbox 360, Zune digital media player, digital camera, $1,000 cash and more! Visit http://www.getgamesmart.com/spotlight/videocontest for details. Deadline for submissions is March 6 so enter today!
This is a great way for families to learn about safe gaming. shoot a video together and send it in. who kows? maybe yours will be selected and you can join the advisory board for Xbox!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Let Me Know: Life Online - Home
Let Me Know: Life Online - Homethe parents section of the new Girl Scout site on online safety... a video of Parry for parents
Parent needs help with cyberbullying threats -- Without Paying - WSJ.com
Parent needs help with cyberbullying threats - WSJ.comMoms and dads are frightened when their kids are targeted. Parry provided some advice to a mom through a wonderful journalist at the Wall Street Journal
IT News Online > - - Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft Launch Online Safety Campaign
IT News Online > - - Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft Launch Online Safety Campaignspread the work and the link. we're all in this together!
Local Durham Teen Part of New Internet Safety Project - Durham County - MyNC.com
Local Durham Teen Part of New Internet Safety Project - Durham County - MyNC.comThe Girl Scouts project takes cybersafety and responsible use and makes it real and practical for girls, boys and families. When asked to help guide and create this project last year, I was honored (as a former Girl Scout), delighted (thinking that I would get thin mint cookies at a discount) and excited (2.4 million girls spreading the cybersafety message!).
Visit the site and check back every month as new modules are launched. Together we can all learn something and share what we learn.
Visit the site and check back every month as new modules are launched. Together we can all learn something and share what we learn.
Campaña y concurso relacionados con los video juegos - 02/11/2009 - El Nuevo Herald
Campaña y concurso relacionados con los video juegos - 02/11/2009 - El Nuevo HeraldGetGameSmart.com is holding a contest on safe gaming for families that submit videos about how they stay safe and have fun gaming.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Wake Up Call: Facebook Isn’t A Safe Haven
Wake Up Call: Facebook Isn’t A Safe HavenI think Facebook is safer. I always advise clients never to say "safe." it sounds too much like a promise rather than an adjective. Teens tell me they feel Facebook is safer too. There is something about knowing that someone knew your e-mail address at least at the time the account was created that makes people better behaved.
The sex ring announced mirrors one we worked under our former charity name, in 1999. Reader's Digest chronicled the story and it was found that the man blackmailing the students and posing as a woman online, was a school administrator in NY. The article wss called Angels Online and was published in the US in March 2000.
The same scams get recycled over and over. There is much to learn from reviewing history, even if that "history" is only 8 years ago.
The sex ring announced mirrors one we worked under our former charity name, in 1999. Reader's Digest chronicled the story and it was found that the man blackmailing the students and posing as a woman online, was a school administrator in NY. The article wss called Angels Online and was published in the US in March 2000.
The same scams get recycled over and over. There is much to learn from reviewing history, even if that "history" is only 8 years ago.
Student Fights Record of ‘Cyberbullying’ - NYTimes.com
Student Fights Record of ‘Cyberbullying’ - NYTimes.com
Students have been suspended and expelled based on cyberbullying charges for many years. In most cases, the student wins in these lawsuits, unless there is a written and signed policy about cyberbullying in the school.
These rest on the fact that schools (public schools) are restricted by the First Amendment (as governmental bodies) and although they have more leeway than other governmental agencies, are limited by the geographical range, duration of the schools day and related aspects of the actions to the school itself.
Think of it this way. If two kids get into a fight at my house on a Sunday picnic, can the school discipline them Monday morning? No.
It's the same way here.
The only difference is that the student took on a teacher, instead of another student. That changes things a bit, but not completely.
The case cited by the school administrator is an old one, from the time of the Vietnam war, and doesn't apply here.
The reach of the Internet into and out of school complicates things.
Now, the question will be in what way can schools discipline students for what they do outside of the school, after hours and on the Internet to a teacher or other school administrator?
This and other legally-related cyberbullying challenge information will appear in our StopCyberbullying Toolkit, that comes out on feb 25th, free for schools. Along with $1 million dollars worth of content to help schools address cyberbullying for all ages, school administrators, parents and guidance counselors.
Students have been suspended and expelled based on cyberbullying charges for many years. In most cases, the student wins in these lawsuits, unless there is a written and signed policy about cyberbullying in the school.
These rest on the fact that schools (public schools) are restricted by the First Amendment (as governmental bodies) and although they have more leeway than other governmental agencies, are limited by the geographical range, duration of the schools day and related aspects of the actions to the school itself.
Think of it this way. If two kids get into a fight at my house on a Sunday picnic, can the school discipline them Monday morning? No.
It's the same way here.
The only difference is that the student took on a teacher, instead of another student. That changes things a bit, but not completely.
The case cited by the school administrator is an old one, from the time of the Vietnam war, and doesn't apply here.
The reach of the Internet into and out of school complicates things.
Now, the question will be in what way can schools discipline students for what they do outside of the school, after hours and on the Internet to a teacher or other school administrator?
This and other legally-related cyberbullying challenge information will appear in our StopCyberbullying Toolkit, that comes out on feb 25th, free for schools. Along with $1 million dollars worth of content to help schools address cyberbullying for all ages, school administrators, parents and guidance counselors.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
ABC News: Lost Connections Spark Teen Tech Rage
ABC News: Lost Connections Spark Teen Tech RageKids are now killing others when disconnected from technology they love. Perspective and understanding of how kids feel about their communication tools are crucial. We have new research on this which we will present at our wired kids summit at the Senate in DC Feb 25th.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Prep Tuesday: Athletes start to see online-profile pitfalls
Prep Tuesday: Athletes start to see online-profile pitfallsAre coahces and college recruiters viewing athelete's profiles.
The Data Privacy Imperative : Microsoft Celebrates Data Privacy Day This Wednesday
The Data Privacy Imperative : Microsoft Celebrates Data Privacy Day This WednesdayBrittany Bacon, one of our original five teenangels joins heavy weights in privacy at Data Privacy Day.
Virginia bill could help schools punish cyberbullying | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com
Virginia bill could help schools punish cyberbullying | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.comVirginia may join the ranks of California, Vermont, NJ and Missouri (among other states) with state cyberbullying laws.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
TheCabin.net ·· Challenging assumptions about online predators 01/30/09
TheCabin.net ·· Challenging assumptions about online predators 01/30/09how many sexual predators are too few to worry about?
How to outsmart a teenager - San Jose Mercury News
How to outsmart a teenager - San Jose Mercury News we need software for everything? Parry doesn't think so!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sending nude photos of myself is a crime? Teens surveyed say that's news to them - Metro - cleveland.com
Sending nude photos of myself is a crime? Teens surveyed say that's news to them - Metro - cleveland.com I have been watching this case. So many jurists don't get it and either sentence too hard or barely slap the kids on the wrist. When this case was brought to my attention as part of a Today Show appearance I did last week, I was intrigued.
After checking further, we decided that this judge needs national attention.
I would ask even more than if they knew it was a crime. I would ask them if they knew what being added to a sex offenders list would do to their future?
At our WiredKids Summit next month, this judge will be honored. I wish we had more like him.
After checking further, we decided that this judge needs national attention.
I would ask even more than if they knew it was a crime. I would ask them if they knew what being added to a sex offenders list would do to their future?
At our WiredKids Summit next month, this judge will be honored. I wish we had more like him.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
the WiredKids Best of the Web Awards
For the last ten years young people have nominated their favorite websites for the WiredKids Best of the Web Award. And for ten years moms have reviewed them for their approval. The list shortens with each step, but few pass the final scrutiny of Internet lawyer, Parry Aftab, to determine which sites understand safety and responsibility when young people are involved.
This year, more than 50,000 students were polled. They nominated thousands of sites, but only 143 were nominated by enough students to qualify. Our team of moms then reviewed the 143 sites and cut them back to 62 sites. Only a handful in each age category passed Parry’s scrutiny. Those will be announced on February 25th in Washington, DC.
Each year, since the WiredKids Best of the Web Awards were launched, the process has forecasted trends in use of the Internet by kids, tweens and teens. Ten years ago, the final nomination list was hundreds of websites long. The same one made the grade. The websites controlled youth traffic or their hearts, other than those that controlled their traffic and hearts offline (Disney, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street).
Then, as AIM grew in popularity and the Internet crash and COPPA (the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) took its toll and children’s sites dropped like flies, fewer sites held their interest. They nominated the same 50 sites and had no major loyalty to any one of them, other than Yahoo, AOL and AIM and the same offline cast of characters. Some students told us that they didn’t have a favorite site. Those were lean years in the industry, but forecasted the growth of communication tools and networks driving youth Internet use.
In late 2004 and 2005 as social networking grew in popularity, MySpace, Xanga and LiveJournal jumped to the top of the nomination pack, but never got past moms or Parry. Virtual worlds like Neopets, Webkinz and Club Penguin gained in popularity, but didn’t have their counterparts with older preteens and teens. Only Google was on all age-groups’ favorite lists.
At the same time, the kids Internet industry figured out new business models that had failed in years past. Club Penguin succeeded when others failed in the subscription model. Webkinz used offline sales of plush animals to fuel their online community for kids and preteens. KidZui got the formula right when it built an “Internet for kids” that allowed fun and age-appropriate Youtube videos and avatar social networking tools where kids can share their favorite websites, without sharing their personal information. Old ideas, spun with gold this time around. Parents are finally ready to pay for content and communities if they feel their children enjoy them and are safe.
But this year shows changes once again. More sites have gained the youth loyalty in the earlier years than ever before. Why? The overwhelming popularity of Webkinz and Club Penguin has spurred the development of more virtual worlds. And Facebook has become the single most popular website among teens. Until the recent economic downturn, the VCs and investors have responded to the success of Club Penguin (acquired by Disney for about 700 million plus earnouts) and the retail plush sales of Webkinz and the huge returns in networks like Bebo (acquired by Time Warner for 800 million dollars last year). The richness of choice is better than it has been in years. Hopefully, given the small pricetag to parents for what their kids want in a virtual world or what parents want in safe communities, this growth and the investment in our kids online will survive the general economic climate.
Most sites are biting the COPPA bullet and going through the steps needed to allow preteens to build communities. Many are learning innovative ways of giving them community without sharing personal information with others. Safety has caught on. Sadly, Parry has been knocking more off the list than usual. While the sites want to do the right thing, they are often adopting “do it yourself” methods that violate the law or put kids at risk unintentionally. Best practice standards for the kids Internet industry are new and require professional guidance.
But the ones that do it right for the kids, their parents and Parry are winners and will continue to lead the pack. In the 8 years since COPPA became effective there is one thing for certain – The Kids Internet Industry is Back!
This year, more than 50,000 students were polled. They nominated thousands of sites, but only 143 were nominated by enough students to qualify. Our team of moms then reviewed the 143 sites and cut them back to 62 sites. Only a handful in each age category passed Parry’s scrutiny. Those will be announced on February 25th in Washington, DC.
Each year, since the WiredKids Best of the Web Awards were launched, the process has forecasted trends in use of the Internet by kids, tweens and teens. Ten years ago, the final nomination list was hundreds of websites long. The same one made the grade. The websites controlled youth traffic or their hearts, other than those that controlled their traffic and hearts offline (Disney, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street).
Then, as AIM grew in popularity and the Internet crash and COPPA (the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) took its toll and children’s sites dropped like flies, fewer sites held their interest. They nominated the same 50 sites and had no major loyalty to any one of them, other than Yahoo, AOL and AIM and the same offline cast of characters. Some students told us that they didn’t have a favorite site. Those were lean years in the industry, but forecasted the growth of communication tools and networks driving youth Internet use.
In late 2004 and 2005 as social networking grew in popularity, MySpace, Xanga and LiveJournal jumped to the top of the nomination pack, but never got past moms or Parry. Virtual worlds like Neopets, Webkinz and Club Penguin gained in popularity, but didn’t have their counterparts with older preteens and teens. Only Google was on all age-groups’ favorite lists.
At the same time, the kids Internet industry figured out new business models that had failed in years past. Club Penguin succeeded when others failed in the subscription model. Webkinz used offline sales of plush animals to fuel their online community for kids and preteens. KidZui got the formula right when it built an “Internet for kids” that allowed fun and age-appropriate Youtube videos and avatar social networking tools where kids can share their favorite websites, without sharing their personal information. Old ideas, spun with gold this time around. Parents are finally ready to pay for content and communities if they feel their children enjoy them and are safe.
But this year shows changes once again. More sites have gained the youth loyalty in the earlier years than ever before. Why? The overwhelming popularity of Webkinz and Club Penguin has spurred the development of more virtual worlds. And Facebook has become the single most popular website among teens. Until the recent economic downturn, the VCs and investors have responded to the success of Club Penguin (acquired by Disney for about 700 million plus earnouts) and the retail plush sales of Webkinz and the huge returns in networks like Bebo (acquired by Time Warner for 800 million dollars last year). The richness of choice is better than it has been in years. Hopefully, given the small pricetag to parents for what their kids want in a virtual world or what parents want in safe communities, this growth and the investment in our kids online will survive the general economic climate.
Most sites are biting the COPPA bullet and going through the steps needed to allow preteens to build communities. Many are learning innovative ways of giving them community without sharing personal information with others. Safety has caught on. Sadly, Parry has been knocking more off the list than usual. While the sites want to do the right thing, they are often adopting “do it yourself” methods that violate the law or put kids at risk unintentionally. Best practice standards for the kids Internet industry are new and require professional guidance.
But the ones that do it right for the kids, their parents and Parry are winners and will continue to lead the pack. In the 8 years since COPPA became effective there is one thing for certain – The Kids Internet Industry is Back!
Data Privacy Day's messages for Obama, consumers | Security - CNET News
Data Privacy Day's messages for Obama, consumers | Security - CNET NewsWiredSafety's Teenangels help advise on privacy for the new policymakers. Britney Bacon, one of the first five Teenangels, first began working with Parry in 1999, while a 14 year old in middle school. Now, as a soon to be law school graduate, she is advising the industry as she has always done - but better. Teenangels is the teen cybersafety expert group founded and run by Parry through WiredSafety.org. Their annual summit is scheduled for February 25th in Washington DC, where Britney will be joined by 75 other Teenangels and Tweenangels to help policymakers and industry alike understand the real Internet - the one used and built by young people.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The ISTTF (Internet Safety Technical Task Force) Report and Process
WiredSafety: the world's largest Internet safety, help and education resource.read WiredSafety's thoughts on the task force report.
The ISTTF (Internet Safety Technical Task Force) Report and Process
The ISTTF (Internet Safety Technical Task Force) Report and ProcessTell Parry what you think about the task force report stating that cyber predators are overhyped.
2009_summit_invite.png (PNG Image, 919x710 pixels) - Scaled (81%)
2009_summit_invite.png (PNG Image, 919x710 pixels) - Scaled (81%)for members of the industry - this is a must not miss event. given by expert teens and preteens for industry, policymakers and media.
New Technology to Block Car Phone Use Far From Perfect | The National Safety Commission Alerts
New Technology to Block Car Phone Use Far From Perfect | The National Safety Commission AlertsI hate when companies exploit parents' fears and offer something they don't need. The National Safety Commission noted my reaction to tech companies offering tools for a fee to shut down cell phones when driving. I appreciate their noticing and their common sense and expert advice. Somethings require common sense instead of new and expensive technology. This is one of them.