Thursday, December 25, 2008

States Aim To Protect Kids From Spam; Michigan and Utah are creating registries of e-mail addresses by a means similar to "do not call" lists.(Brief Article) | InformationWeek | Find Art

As we explore age-verification technologies and approached, it can be helpful to look back a few years to see what we thought about kid "do not e-mail" list to help shiled them from porn and other inappropriate messaging. Large lists of children's contact information (aside from the COPPA legal implications) may not be what we want when predator groups could use them as a catalogue of children.States Aim To Protect Kids From Spam; Michigan and Utah are creating registries of e-mail addresses by a means similar to "do not call" lists.(Brief Article) | InformationWeek | Find Art

K12Planet.com Announces Joint Effort With Federal Trade Commission and Wired Kids to Protect Children Online | Business Wire | Find Articles at BNET

As I look back over the years, it's good to see how much things have improved.the first joint efforts among the FTC, Parry Aftab and an industry player. This was one of K12Planet.com Announces Joint Effort With Federal Trade Commission and Wired Kids to Protect Children Online | Business Wire | Find Articles at BNET

-MICROSOFT: Microsoft co-sponsors Internet Fair to teach families how to surf the web safely. | M2 Presswire | Find Articles at BNET

More than ten year ago, Parry Aftab conducted the very first cybersafety event with Microsoft.-MICROSOFT: Microsoft co-sponsors Internet Fair to teach families how to surf the web safely. | M2 Presswire | Find Articles at BNET

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

I am so frustrated! If one more person tells me there isn't a law that could have applied to Lori Drew in Missouri, I will scream!

On January 5, 2006 President Bush signed Section 113 of the Violence against Women Act into law. It amends 47 U.S.C. 223, the telecommunications harassment statute that is rooted in the Communications Act of 1934.
The telecommunications statue bans anyone from using a telephone or a telecommunications device without disclosing their identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person. This applies to Internet-based communications as well. (Section 113 amends the statute to include “any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet.)

Sunday, November 30, 2008

UPDATE: Missouri mom gets some comfort from work against cyberbullying - Columbia Missourian

Megan Meier's death has awakened the US to the horrors of cyberbullying. Lori Drew's conviction makes a statement.UPDATE: Missouri mom gets some comfort from work against cyberbullying - Columbia Missourian

MySpace Mom Conviction Shows Cyberbullies Will Be Punished | Monty's Mega Marketing

I hate bullies! what a great way to start this blog post!MySpace Mom Conviction Shows Cyberbullies Will Be Punished | Monty's Mega Marketing

www.kansascity.com | 11/29/2008 | Safety advocates hope verdict in cyberbullying trial sends message to Internet users

Tina Meier working with WiredSafety on cyberbullying.www.kansascity.com | 11/29/2008 | Safety advocates hope verdict in cyberbullying trial sends message to Internet users

Personal Finance: Don't let Web scams ruin holiday - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

the 12 scams of christmas...Personal Finance: Don't let Web scams ruin holiday - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

Friday, November 28, 2008

In the wake of MySpace verdict, could social networks do more to protect consumers? | Technology | Los Angeles Times

wiredtrust is dedicated to helping web 2.0 companies handle these and other kinds of risks.In the wake of MySpace verdict, could social networks do more to protect consumers? | Technology | Los Angeles Times

Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg to Speak at WiredSafety's Stop Cyberbullying Conference... | Reuters

Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg to Speak at WiredSafety's Stop Cyberbullying Conference... | Reuters

Industry Joins Advocates to Address Online Safety at WiredSafety's Stop Cyberbullying... | Reuters

Industry Joins Advocates to Address Online Safety at WiredSafety's Stop Cyberbullying... | Reuters

FOXNews.com - Victim's Mom on MySpace Hoax Verdict: No More Using 'Internet as Weapon' - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

FOXNews.com - Victim's Mom on MySpace Hoax Verdict: No More Using 'Internet as Weapon' - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News

The Associated Press: Mom: Verdict shows cyberbullies will be punished

Lori Drew's verdict sends a message - if you use the Internet as a weapon to hurt others, you will face justice.The Associated Press: Mom: Verdict shows cyberbullies will be punished

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The Lori Drew verdict

I am thrilled about the results of the trial. While Lori could have been convicted of more, I am happy she was convicted of anything at all. With a 3 year possible sentence awaiting her and up to $300,000 in fines, this verdict sent the right message. If you are an adult and torment and harass a child online you will face a jury of your peers.

Now, I hope that the US Attorney for the St Louis area of Missouri now re-examines this case and brings the action that needs to be brought - under the federal cyberstalking statute. To my knowledge, double jeopardy does not attach here. This case was a crime against MySpace. But now let's look at justice for Megan, in her name.

Megan...rest in peace.

Parry
If you want to take a pledge in Megan's name, to help combat cyberbullying, visit myyearbook.com/meganpledge

Sunday, November 23, 2008

teen suicide in Florida - are there legal ramifications for the site or viewers/

The Communications Decency Act limits a service provider's liability for what is posted or what actions are taken on their site that they have not intended or controlled. And, in the US, we do not require that bystanders take action to help others when they need help. But morally, someone should have done something. WiredTrust.com is a new company that advises web 2.0 businesses how to deal with situations like a user threatened or webcast suicide.
Watch CBS Videos Online

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Halloween argument leads teens to online harassment

Halloween argument leads teens to online harassment
The NH Attorney General cares about the issue of cyberbullying. I hope to work with her to develop some substantial projects for the state. I admire her work substantially.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

McAfee® - about - McAfee Inc. Taps Parry Aftab as Its Family Internet Safety Advisor

I have recently begun consulting with McAfee about cybersafety issues for families and consumers. I hope to tap their extensive expertise in the security software arena to help design improved solutions for families online. I continue to work with all of my clients in the field and advise many leaders in the industry, as well as run WiredSafety.org.
I look forward to this next year and getting the power of McAfee focused on family tools and education.McAfee® - about - McAfee Inc. Taps Parry Aftab as Its Family Internet Safety Advisor

Thursday, September 04, 2008

GoErie.com: Take that, big bully.

I say this over and over again. There is a difference between bullying in real space and in cyberspace. It's more than just the methods and location. Cyberspace adds the accidental component with things being misunderstood and sent to the wrong person, when a joke doesn't play well and isn't understood as a joke, etc. Unlike offline bullying, not all cyberbullying is intentional. One entire class of cyberbullies, the inadvertent cyberbully, is accidental.GoErie.com: Take that, big bully.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Thursday, July 24, 2008

E-Commerce News: Law: Court Nixes Law Aimed at Protecting Kids Online

COPA, after floating around and wasting everyone's time for years, is finally dea. Perhaps now we can focus on fixing the problem in constitutional ways?E-Commerce News: Law: Court Nixes Law Aimed at Protecting Kids Online

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Friday, July 11, 2008

UNITED STATES v. WILLIAMS

US Supreme Court makes an important decision to help prevent child sexual exploitation by prohibiting the sale or distribution of virtual child pornography that holds itself out as child pornography.UNITED STATES v. WILLIAMS

Sunday, June 29, 2008

BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Battling the online bullies

The BBC joined us for both days of our stop cyberbullying conference in June. If you want to see some of what went on, visit wiredsafety.org and view the webcast archives.
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Battling the online bullies

Friday, June 27, 2008

Online Magazine For TPJCians: Cyber Bullying 2.0: The Real Story

Cyberbullying and Singapore. In 1998 I began working with Singapore. It's a country that was braodband before any others. Well-mannered and well-educated children. But many were lashing out online, anonymously.Online Magazine For TPJCians: Cyber Bullying 2.0: The Real Story

Monday, June 16, 2008

» Bebo Cyberbullying Blamed for Teen’s Death » Blog Archive Alice Hill’s Real Tech News - Independent Tech

Another teen takes his life because of cyberbullying. Although Megan Meier has become the poster child on teen cyberbullying suicides, she was not the first nor the last teen to take her own life because of cyberbullying. In the US approx 14 have committed suicide because of cyberbullying. In the UK several more have as well. In Canada, two have killed themselves and one has stabbed another and in Japan on preteen murdered another after being text-bullied.
In all cases except for Megan's kids were the bullies. In Megan's case two adults were involved, Lori Drew ( a neighorhood mom) and her babysitter, Ashley) and some teens (including Lori's daughter. Our Megan Pledge is designed to help teens understand the pain of cyberbullying, get them to seek help when victimized and give help when they see it and teaches them that suicide is never an option. You can take it at myyearbook.com/meganpledge or fan facebook.com/meganpledge.

» Bebo Cyberbullying Blamed for Teen’s Death » Blog Archive Alice Hill’s Real Tech News - Independent Tech

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Westchester.com - Pace University Announces Online Safety Program

WiredSafety's award-winning programs to be delivered by students and faculty at Pace University. Educational and technology students will be able to earn graduate certificates and credits for work in the field of cybersafety using WiredSafety's programs.Westchester.com - Pace University Announces Online Safety Program

Monday, June 09, 2008

Love bytes: City teens post exes' nude pix

More and more kids are posting sexual images of others online. When they breakup, the private images become public and are used as a weapon to hurt their ex's.Love bytes: City teens post exes' nude pix

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Tech firms focus on cyberbullying - MaldivianDigital® :: Forum

finally cyberbullying is getting its due. With so much focussed on sexual predators online, it was always the ignored step-child of cyberrisks. Yet, our polls show that 85% of middle schoolers have been cyberbullied at least once. In a smaller poll 70% admitted ot cyberbullying others.Tech firms focus on cyberbullying - MaldivianDigital® :: Forum

Friday, June 06, 2008

Nude teen images passed easily on cell phones, Web

Nude teen images passed easily on cell phones, Web

Cyberbullying is bigger threat to kids | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

For many years wehave been wasting our breath trying to get everyone ot understand that cyberbullying and harassment affects many more children than sexual predators online. While 8 children have been murdered by someone they met online, we have had 14 suicides relating to cyberbullying. Both kill. Both are unexceptable, but now, finally, cyberbullying is the center of focus. Cyberbullying is bigger threat to kids | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Mom in Web bullying case turns grief into activism - Yahoo! News

Tina Meier is working tirelessly to make a difference. She runs the Megan Meier Foundation and works with us at StopCyberbullying.org and WiredSafety.org. I don't know how she does it. She always trys ot appear up and never wants others to see her breakdown. She did an extraordinary job with Megan. I wish others knew the whole story. We will try and help tell it.
Tia will be speaking at our conference Monday and Tuesday in NY. we are full both days, but you can watch it on webcast.
wiredsafety.org Mom in Web bullying case turns grief into activism - Yahoo! News

Friday, May 30, 2008

Cyberbullying Conference - live blog by McAfee

I am very excited to include McAfee's blogger at our International StopCyberbullying Conference. We'll be taking requests from the bloggersphere during the conference, and at least one comment per panel on Tuesday. Got an opinion? Always wanted to ask the players about any of their cyberbullying positions or find out the inside story? Now's your chance. Comment on McAfee's blog and Shane might choose yours to share.Cyberbullying Conference

Friday, May 23, 2008

the Megan Pledge podcast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5oFBTX-NrY

the Megan Pledge Online - at myyearbook.


take the pledge in honor of Megan Meier. Let's stop cyberbullying together!
In one day, more than 100,000 pledges were taken by people who care!

myYearbook | Megan Pledge

102,000 and counting! 10% there in one day! I can't imagine how long it will take to get us to a million!!!! Thanks to everyone who is helping make this a reality!myYearbook | Megan Pledge

Thursday, May 22, 2008

myYearbook the megan pledge home page

MyYearbook cared about the issue of cyberbullying so much that they converted their home page ot a place ot take the Megan Pledge against cyberbullying. In one day, they have 76,000 people take the pledge. we want a million. drop by myyearbook.com and take it.
Be one in a million!myYearbook | Home: "parry@aftab.com"

SLJ Talks to WiredSafety's Parry Aftab about Cyberbullying - 4/16/2008 2:10:00 PM - School Library Journal

I always say, if you want to know something, ask a librarian.SLJ Talks to WiredSafety's Parry Aftab about Cyberbullying - 4/16/2008 2:10:00 PM - School Library Journal

myYearbook | Megan Pledge

21,000 and counting. MyYearbook.com is the first of many wonderful social networks to get behind the Megan Pledge program, where 1 million teens will take a pledge against cyberbullying in Megan Meier's name. She was the thirteen year old form Missouri who took her own life rather than face continued harassment at the hands of a neighborhood mom posing as a cute 16-year-old boy. Want to make a difference and take a stand against cyberbullying? Take the pledge at myyearbook.com. You can even post the ribbon graphic and link on your myspace and facebook pages.myYearbook | Megan Pledge

Monday, May 19, 2008

Sci-Tech Today | MySpace Mom Indicted in Cyber-Bully Suicide Case

Sci-Tech Today | MySpace Mom Indicted in Cyber-Bully Suicide Case

The Stop Cyberbullying Conference June 2-3, 2008 in NY

Stop Cyberbullying –
An International Conference to Address Cyberbullying, Solutions and Industry Best Practices
June 2, 2008 (White Plains, NY) and June 3, 2008 (New York City)
To pre-register online, without charge, visit WiredSafety.org or StopCyberbullying.org. Same day registrations range from $99 to $149. (Discounts for same day registration for students and educators)
About the conference, how it works and what we are planning:
At the world’s first conference dedicated entirely to the issue of cyberbullying, all stakeholders will learn everything they need to know about this digital epidemic and explore solutions. Hosted by the world’s largest and oldest cybersafety group together with Pace University and Westchester County, all aspects of cyberbullying, risk management in schools and best practices in the industry will be explored.
The entire program is broken into two very different days, each of which offers rich opportunities to address cyberbullying. Both are open to members of the general public, parents, students, educators and school administrators, mental health professionals, technology and Internet industry members, law enforcement, community groups, media representatives and governmental agencies.
On the first day a massive town meeting format will be used to bring together students, parents, teachers, librarians, school and technology administrators, governmental representatives, law enforcement, members of the media, Internet and digital technology industry members, mental health experts, community groups and safety advocates. They will work “UN expert meeting” style, to learn about cyberbullying and determine what each of these groups expects from government, education, the media and the industry.
During the plenary sessions hundreds of participants will learn and share with each other. They will interact with panels of experts and cyberbullying victims and their families. They will meet Parry Aftab’s award-winning Teenangels and Tweenangels to learn the extent of the problem. Then, breaking into three groups, based on demographics (teachers, parents and school administrators in one group, law enforcement, mental health experts, community organizations, medical experts and governmental representatives in another and industry and students in the third) the participants will work with facilitators and come up with their wishlist for media, government, schools and advocacy groups and the industry. What do they want these stakeholders to do to help?
The plenary will review each of the breakout wishlists and discuss each group’s overall expectations. In an active discussion the entire first day is devoted to framing the issues on cyberbullying and creating questions for the second day panels. Should media stop reporting about fight videos? Or does their coverage bring needed attention to the problem? What about government? Do we need more laws or just better enforcement? How can schools and mental health professionals help? And what is the industry’s role in creating safer technologies and adopting best practices? How important is that?
The second day brings the industry, government, media and other important stakeholders to the table to join the others. The facilitators for the first day will report the results to the second day plenary and four panels of experts and influencers will address the questions framed for them. They will also describe their current efforts to address the problem of cyberbullying. Beginning with students and victims and their families, the heart-wrenching stories will be shared, compelling action. Then panels of Internet industry leaders will address the questions posed for them by first day participants. They will share their perspective and the role they believe they should play in framing solutions.
This process is followed by a panel of governmental and policymaker leaders to address the wishlist from the town meeting and explain their efforts to address cyberbullying.
A luncheon program will be provided and boxed lunches will be available.
Then the conference participants will break into one of three workshops, each designed to attract a varied group of stakeholders. While the topics may change, we believe that these are the final three topics. Registrants are asked to select one upon registration. Since we will have limited space, they will be limited to the one workshop they select upon registration (unless the topics change).
Cyberbullying and the Law:
What are the laws governing cyberbullying? (How can you distinguish between rudeness and criminal harassment? What are the parents’ legal responsibilities? Do we need more laws? How should violent postings of videos be handled? Does age make a difference – cyberharassment vs. cyberbullying? How does free speech and hate speech fit into this?
Herding Cats:
Creating moderation policies, training moderators and handling cyberbullying from within the network. How do you protect kids from each other? When do you need to get law enforcement involved? How to you train moderators to be caring, without burning them out? How do you design safer networks? How do you nurture good behavior and discourage bad? How do you protect your site and users? How does cyberbullying work in gaming communities, on social networks and using mobile technologies? What resources are out there to help guide risk management and best practices for the industry? How do you identify best practices and earn the seal to show everyone your commitment to safety?
Teaching Kindness:
What educational programs are working, and which aren’t. What resources are available to provide professional development and train the trainers? Can you earn a cyberbullying certification? Collaborating with the cybersafety experts and finding the best materials to use. Using peer-counseling programs to manage cyberbullying and being innovative in approaches of risk management in schools. How do you write a cyberbullying policy and what is the reach of the school’s authority for off-premises misconduct? What do students think works? Deploying the Megan Pledge – promising to be part of the solution.
The last panel will be comprised of media and community groups to address the requests from the town meeting and to demonstrate what is out there to help spread awareness.
Awards for Excellence in Awareness will be given to a select group of outstanding non-profits and programs that are playing an important role in stopping cyberbullying.
In addition, “Cyberbullying Confessions” kiosks manned with video cameras will be placed at both conference venues to allow participants and experts to share their thinking, experiences and opinions. Select videos will be used in creating documentaries and to post at stopcyberbullying.org to help spread awareness. Exhibits will be available to certain sponsors to demonstrate their products, technologies and programs.
Students are welcome, accompanied by parents or teachers, and must be 10 or older to attend. The registration is free for pre-registered participants. Any participants seeking to join us, not having pre-registered, will be required to pay a $149 admission fee for both days, or $99 for either day. The programs may be webcast and will be recorded, along with audience participation and scan of the audience.
At the conference conclusion, WiredSafety will be creating a network of interested stakeholders to continue the work of framing the issues and forming solutions.
Our sponsors include Verizon, Microsoft, McAfee, AOL, Disney, Procter & Gamble, Girl Scouts of the USA, WiredTrust, Children’s Safety Research and Innovation Centre, KidZui.com and others. This conference is being delivered in conjunction and with the support of Pace University and The Westchester County Executive and Westchester County, NY.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Making Social Sites Safer - Forbes.com

how do you create safe social networks? one step at a time. No magic buller here...just a reality check. what are the risks, what aren't? what can we do about it? what's the best combination of awareness, education, best practices and technology? That, Dr. Watson, is the real question. :-)Making Social Sites Safer - Forbes.com

Friday, May 09, 2008

Facebook puts into place new safety controls | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Everyone is looking for age verification technology. The chief players in the industry have joined forces to investigate technology solutions, including age verification. If it exists, we'll find it. If not, we need to keep building safer practices, technologies and education. There is no one answer, or a silver bullet here. Just a combination of caring, supervision, technology and best practices.Facebook puts into place new safety controls | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Web scammers find ways to be rude socially -- -- themorningcall.com

while most focus on predators any other more highly publicized risks, phishers use a number of ways to grab your logins and passwords to take over your social networking profiles. Mostof the time they use them for spamming others or promoting porn. Use a slightly different password for each account, so if you visit a widget site or site for applications, fraudulent scams won't be able to use that password to gain entry to your profiles.Web scammers find ways to be rude socially -- -- themorningcall.com

Facebook, states set predator safeguards - Security- msnbc.com

Creating a task force seems the way to go these days. Facebook reached its own agreement with the 49 AGs who entered into an agreement with MySpace a few months before. I serve on that task fofce that includes Microsoft, Yahoo!, AOL, Google, Verizon and others...including Facebook!
Facebook, states set predator safeguards - Security- msnbc.com

Linux News: ECT News Exclusives: AOL CPO Jules Polonetsky on Hitting the Privacy Sweet Spot

Linux News: ECT News Exclusives: AOL CPO Jules Polonetsky on Hitting the Privacy Sweet Spot

Linux News: Virtual Worlds: Kids in Second Life: Does Danger Lurk?

Linux News: Virtual Worlds: Kids in Second Life: Does Danger Lurk?

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Communication means talking face-to-face : Editorial : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)

One of our messages to teens and preteens about cyberbullying is to "take it offline". when they communicate f2f, they often avoid the miscommunications they encounter online. If your best friend appears to be attacking you online, a quick call might confirm if it's his younger brother posing as him, or someone else trying to get him and you into trouble.
Communication means talking face-to-face : Editorial : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)

Monday, April 28, 2008

cyberbullying conference in NY June 2nd and 3rd


Register at wiredsafety.org or stopcyberbullying.org

Cyberbullying is trending younger and younger - Sandbox Cyberbullying 4th graders and younger.

Sandbox Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying, like the use of interactive technologies, is trending younger and younger. Two years ago, while speaking to a group of parents (some of whom brought their young children) I asked the audience for definitions of cyberbullying. A little cherubic second grader shyly raised her hand, offering her definition. I smiled to myself while calling on her.
“Cyberbullying is when, if you like a boy and he already has a girlfriend, you go online pretending to be his girlfriend and break up with him. Then he can ask you out.” Her shyness turned quickly into smugness, and I was blown away. Second grade? What in the heck was she going to be doing by third grade?
While this little girl was my first second grade expert on cyberbullying, she wasn’t the last. Not by far. About six months ago, I was speaking to a group of second graders. When I asked how kids can cyberbully each other, a young boy raised his hand. “They can cyberbully each other using Wii,” he offered. When I probed further, I learned that the kids can upload a photo of the cyberbullying target and draw means things on their photo or shoot it, slime it or otherwise attack the target by defacing their image. On Wii!
The fourth graders taught me about extortion. Unlike their older counterparts who use sexual harassment as their torment of choice, fourth graders blackmail each other. “If you don’t do X, I will post this online!” “If you don’t give me Y, I will tell everyone your secrets!” “If you don’t Z, I will tell [your parents][the principal] [the teacher][everyone] what you did!”
Armed with handheld gaming devices with Internet connectivity, cell phones and Internet access, they threaten, harass, extort, embarrass, expose, lie and pass rumors about their acquaintances and former best friends. They do it to be funny. They do it to be popular. They do it for power. They do it to see what happens. They do it to impress their friends. They do it to reinforce their own social status. They do it for revenge. They do it to defend others. They do it by being careless. But they do it. More and more, everyday, kids are hurting kids.
Why? They tell me it’s because they can.
No consequences. Anonymously. They can be mean and get away with it. They can do and say things they would never do or say in real life. They don’t see the hurt, understand the realities or look at it from the target’s perspective. Courtesy and kindness, respect and caring are all abandoned in favor of their 15 megabytes of fame, power and attention.
I worry about what the kids in nursery school will teach me next year.

What you don’t know can hurt kids - Security- msnbc.com

What you don’t know can hurt kids - Security- msnbc.com

Charleston, SC Latest Local News: Cell phones a risk to kids

Charleston, SC Latest Local News: Cell phones a risk to kids

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

To monitor or not to monitor, that is the question - Quelling the Danger Lurking In Junior's Backpack - WSJ.com

Quelling the Danger Lurking
In Junior's Backpack
Cellphone Tools Can Filter
Uncensored Web and Chat;
Parents Risk Privacy Backlash
By JOSEPH DE AVILA
April 23, 2008; Page D1

In the past, some parents worried when their teens holed up in their bedrooms to surf the Web. Now they wonder about their kids' online habits at the mall, in the car or at a track meet. That's because many cellphones now offer Internet access -- making chat rooms and dating sites available from just about anywhere.

Cellphones pose yet another parenting dilemma. On one hand, the devices allow adults to maintain contact with their kids, helping to supervise their activities from afar. On the flip side, advanced features on some phones let kids check email, send instant messages, and visit mobile versions of Web sites. And that's where teens can get into trouble.

Some cellphone carriers offer services for parents to manage how their children use the Web on their phones. While most only block access to certain Web sites, one third-party provider offers a service that alerts parents when their child makes or receives calls, text messages or photos.

Marybeth Whalen, a 37-year-old writer and stay-at-home mom from Charlotte, N.C., recently heard a story that left her shaken. A friend of hers discovered text-message exchanges with sexual innuendo between the friend's teenage daughter and a boy. Ms. Whalen's friend never suspected that her daughter communicated about such things on the phone.

After hearing her friend's experience, Ms. Whalen started to worry about her own kids. "That kind of woke me up a little bit," she says. At 15 and 13, the two oldest of Ms. Whalen's six children have cellphones. "Even the good kids can be up to stuff that you know nothing about."

Now she is more diligent about watching what her kids do with their phones and tries to stay informed about how they use new gadgets and technology.

Taking a cellphone away entirely would be difficult for many parents -- 72% of teens between ages 13 and 17 already have one, according to a 2007 survey from the Yankee Group, a research and consulting firm.

Among teens, there is a strong demand for text messaging and email on cellphones. Now they want additional features, too, says Chris Collins, a senior analyst with Yankee Group. In a survey, 26% of teens said that having Internet access was a must-have feature for the next phone they bought, according to the Yankee Group.

As mobile Web browsing becomes more common, it will just be another aspect of cellphones that parents need to understand and be informed of, experts say. Monitoring your children's cellphone comes with risks, especially when dealing with teenagers. Communication is essential. Minors should understand why their parents are monitoring them. If not, experts say parents risk alienating and losing the trust of their children.

What's Available

Carriers offer some options for parents to limit what their kids can do with their Web-equipped phones.

Last year, AT&T Inc. launched its Smart Limits plan for $4.99 a month. The plan lets users limit the number of text and instant messages sent and received.

Parents can block content that may not be appropriate for younger users, like chat rooms and dating sites, on AT&T's home page called MEdia Net, which comes with most of AT&T's basic cellphones. Or they can block access to the Web entirely.

Smart Limits' Web filter doesn't work for the Apple iPhone, and it can't turn off the phone's Web browser, according to an AT&T spokesman.

Verizon Wireless added new parental controls for cellphones last year. Users can choose from three levels of settings that will filter the content available on the phone based on a rating system that takes the age of the user into account. The most restrictive setting, aimed at kids between the ages of 7 and 12, blocks access to email, instant messaging, social networking sites and chat groups. The free service also filters Verizon's V CAST multimedia player that plays video and music according to the setting chosen by the parent. To sign up, Verizon customers can visit the Web site or call customer service.

These parental settings for the Web aren't available on some older phones and on BlackBerry devices and other smart phones, says Jack McArtney, director for advertising and content standards with Verizon Wireless. The company is working on parental controls for smart phones.

T-Mobile USA Inc. offers a free service called Web Guard that filters mobile Web sites that might be inappropriate for younger users. It automatically blocks the search and browsing of several categories of sites, including dating, gambling and sex sites. The company says the service works on most phones, but may not work at certain times and in certain locations. Users can sign up for the service by logging on to their profile on T-Mobile's Web site.

Sprint Nextel Corp.'s free service is called Web Access and limits Web browsing to about 100 preselected sites that are considered safe for all ages. Parents can turn on the service from their profile on the Sprint Web site or from their child's phone. All other sites are blocked. Email, instant messaging and access to mobile chat rooms can be blocked only by turning off the Web features on the phone itself.

For some parents, blocking features on phones isn't enough. They want to know who their kids are communicating with.

Gregg Friedman, a 46-year-old chiropractor from Phoenix, recently signed up for a third-party application called RADAR to track how his 17-year-old son uses his BlackBerry. Mr. Friedman signed up for the service after his son started getting text messages from bullies and other kids in the neighborhood that Mr. Friedman didn't approve of.

"My wife and I wanted a way to monitor who our son was talking to and texting," he says.

RADAR was launched last year by eAgency Inc., based in Newport Beach, Calif. Here's how it works. The company installs software onto the child's cellphone that monitors incoming and outgoing calls, photos, text messages and emails. Or users can download the software themselves. Parents get an email or text-message alert every time their child uses the phone. (Or they can log on to RADAR's Web site to get these updates.) The text from emails and text messages can be read by the parents. Photos can be seen, too. RADAR also turns off the phone's instant messaging capabilities.

Right now, RADAR software is available only on the BlackBerry Pearl. EAgency will soon release a feature to allow parents to see which Web sites their children visit on their phones, says Bob Lotter, eAgency's chief executive. The service costs $10 a month, and people can sign up at www.mymobilewatchdog.com.

Mr. Friedman says he and his wife log on to the site a few times each day to check in on their son. His son wasn't happy when he told him that he would be monitored, Mr. Friedman says. His son thought it was an invasion of privacy. "I told him he has no privacy," he says.

Before parents start blocking or checking their children's phones, they should first discuss their worries with their kids, says Amanda Lenhart, a senior research specialist with the Pew Internet & American Life Project, which studies technology and kids. "Whatever you do should be in the context of an open conversation with that child."

A Matter of Trust

Parents who monitor their kids without discussing it first risk losing their trust, says Parry Aftab, executive director of WiredSafety, an Internet-safety help group.

Just because "you can monitor doesn't mean you should or have to," Ms. Aftab says. At-risk kids, however, are an exception to this rule. In this case, parents should use any technology they can that will help keep the child safe, Ms. Aftab says.

Julie Clark, a 50-year-old freelance writer and Web manager from Cobbs Creek, Va., prefers old-fashioned solutions when dealing with her 16-year-old son, Matthew. On school nights, her son turns over his phone at 9 p.m.

Ms. Clark also limits her son's Web surfing on their home computer. She allows him to use it for school projects only. "The cellphone is a little harder [to monitor] because it's portable," she says. "They can be very secretive with them."
Quelling the Danger Lurking In Junior's Backpack - WSJ.com

Friday, April 18, 2008

Flo and Lucky - the MPAA's pirated DVD-sniffing dogs hold event in LA elementary school

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2008
**MEDIA ADVISORY**

MOVIE PIRACY IS GOING TO THE DOGS!
MOVIE INDUSTRY’S CRIME-FIGHTING CANINES LUCKY AND FLO MAKE SPECIAL VISIT TO L.A. SCHOOL

Councilmember Wendy Greuel and Internet Safety Expert Dr. Parry Aftab join the MPAA and Lucky and Flo for a demonstration for Clover Avenue Elementary School’s 4th and 5th graders, Monday, April 21 at 9:15 a.m.

WHO: The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and Los Angeles City Councilmember Wendy Greuel – Chair of the Los Angeles Anti-Piracy Task Force - team-up with WiredSafety - the largest and oldest online safety, education, and help group in the world - to raise awareness about the importance of copyright protection with the assistance of the MPAA’s very own Lucky and Flo.

The two adorable black labs - the world’s first-ever DVD-sniffing dogs - are making a special stop in Los Angeles on their way to Mexico City and Washington DC to highlight World Intellectual Property Day on April 26. Lucky and Flo have traveled all over the world assisting law enforcement officials track down pirate operations and have helped raise global awareness about the problem of motion picture piracy. The dogs have been so successful that last year a Malaysian pirate syndicate put a bounty on the dogs’ heads of $30,000.

WHAT: Lucky and Flo will demonstrate how they sniff out DVDs hidden in storage containers and luggage, highlighting how they assist law enforcement authorities at raids, border crossings, and customs environments around the world. The assembly will be facilitated by Dr. Parry Aftab, founder of WiredSafety, and her award-winning Teenangels and Tweenangels who will share information with the students about responsible technology use.

WHERE: Clover Avenue Elementary School
Auditorium
11020 Clover Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034

WHEN: Monday, April 21, 2008
9:15 a.m.

*GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY* - Lucky and Flo will demonstrate their amazing abilities. Children will help hide DVDs for the dogs to find.


###


Elizabeth Kaltman
Communications Director
Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
(818) 935-5751 - Direct

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Stop Cyberbullying International Conference - NY June 2nd and 3rd

The Inaugural Internetaionl StopCyberbullying Conference will be held in NY on two days, one for community participants and one for the industry, regulators and the media.

The community day is free, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited. It will be held in White Plains, NY and is for parents, kids, teens, teachers, law enforcement, mental health experts, guidance counselors, school administrators, etc.

The industry best practices day tickets are $150, with discounts for students, teachers, non-profits and law enforcement members. Pre-registration required and space is limited.

Sponsorship and exhibit tables are available. Contact me for additional information on exhibiting and sponsorship.

I will post more info on the conference when it is finalized.

hope to see you there.

Parry

APWG Conference in Tokyo, Japan ...be there or be square :-)

The APWG is delighted to announce that registration for the APWG's Second Annual Counter eCrime Operations Summit (CeCOS II) has opened and that the program committee has posted the preliminary agenda and registration links at:
http://www.antiphishing.org/events/2008_operationsSummit.html. Unlike APWG General Members meetings, CeCOS II Tokyo will be an open conference, with all sessions available to both member and non-member attendees.

CeCOS II is shaping up into a milestone event for APWG members and for all the stakeholding cohorts engaged in the global contest with the burgeoning electronic crime plexus. Our goal, beyond benchmarking the kinds of operational practices that have proven useful in countering electronic crime, is to unite IT operations, security and law enforcement thought-leaders from across the globe to voice priorities in the global confrontation with phishing and eCrime.

AGENDA: A working agenda can be found at this APWG Web page:
http://www.antiphishing.org/events/2008_operationsSummit.html#agenda

The CeCOS II, to be held in Tokyo on May 26 & 27 2008, is being developed in collaboration with the Council of Anti-Phishing Japan, an industry coalition organized at the recommendation of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The Council of Europe has also entered as a program partner, through participation of its Economic Crime Unit.

APWG has always worked to build bridges between constituencies that have to engage the threats that electronic crime poses against consumers and enterprises. With CeCOS II the APWG also hopes to take steps to begin unifying key constituents of global economies - national and regional - against the growing, common peril of electronic crime. This year's meeting will focus on the development of response paradigms and resources for counter-ecrime managers and forensic professionals.

Presenters will proffer case studies of national and regional economies under attack, narratives of successful trans- national forensic cooperation, paradigms for cooperation and unified response against ecrime - and data resources for forensic applications. CeCOS II Tokyo reflects the rapidly expanding APWG membership in Asia but, as importantly, it presents an extraordinary opportunity to build strategic bridges between counter-eCrime operatives worldwide.

VENUE: The conference will be held at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.
The Akasaka district is a central Tokyo business and government district by day and one of Tokyo's premier entertainment areas by night. The hotel's English-language Web site can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/index.asp

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: The links for registration Web pages for this APWG conference can be found here:
http://secure.lenos.com/lenos/antiphishing/opSummit2008/

ACCOMMODATIONS: The APWG has negotiated a discount rate for conference attendees at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka. The CeCOS II hotel accommodations registration Web page is here:
http://secure1.gakkai-web.net/gakkai/knt/cecos/index.html

For attendees planning on staying at other Tokyo hotels, the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka is within 2-minute walks of both Nagata-Cho Station and Akasaka-Mitsuke Station on Tokyo's subway. More info on subway service can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/akasaka-gettingthere.asp

Instructions on getting to the conference venue from Narita International Airport can be found here:
http://www.princejapan.com/GrandPrinceHotelAkasaka/akasaka-gettingthere.asp

TRAVEL GUIDANCE: Advisories on such important details as visas and entry requirements for travelers to Japan can be found at these web pages.
For US and Canada: http://www.japantravelinfo.com/plan/tips.php
Other Nations: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/visa.html

SPONSORSHIP: Interested event sponsors can contact Deputy Secretary General Foy Shiver directly at fshiver@antiphishing.org about opportunities for this event.

If anyone has other kinds of questions, they are invited to contact APWG Secretary General Peter Cassidy at pcassidy@antiphishing.org or +1 617
669 1123.

With cyber bullying, girls gone wild gets a horrifying new meaning

We have to do something to stop the craze of hurting people to get noticed. We will be hosting one of the leading psychiatrists on these kinds of things at our Stop Cyberbullying International Conference on June 2 and 3rd in NY. With cyber bullying, girls gone wild gets a horrifying new meaning

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Courts chip away at Web sites' decade-old legal shield | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

I am pulled on this one. I think sites that don't enforce ehtier terms of service or which are building business on creating hate shouldn't be protected from suits, but legitimate sites doing what they say they do, should be.
watch this space for more.Courts chip away at Web sites' decade-old legal shield | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

Monday, April 07, 2008

#/video/tech/2008/04/03/delacruz.tween.angels.cnn?iref=videosearch

Tweenangels, my 7 - 12 year old secret weapons help me understand what younger kids are doing online and assist in making the Internet safer and kids smarter.
For more info about starting your own chapter, visit teenangels.org.#/video/tech/2008/04/03/delacruz.tween.angels.cnn?iref=videosearch

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Safety, Big Bucks Drive New Websites for Kids - US News and World Report

Safety is fast becoming big-business when the Web 2.0 industry is involved. Our latest addition to the safer networks industry is a new for-profit company that will open its doors in July, called WiredTrust. Founded by me, it will guide the kids and general audeince industries in keeping the networks safer and helping them manage all risk.
Safety, Big Bucks Drive New Websites for Kids - US News and World Report

State of New Jersey acts in juicycampus.com

Too many think that they can do anything online and not be held accountable. But there's more to setting up an online business or social network than just bits and bytes. Having your privacy policy and terms of service matach your actual practices is crucial and the way most mess up. In this case, I am looking for ways they mess up, or ways they can make things a bit more responsible. Selling and marketing hate and rumor-mongering is a problem, especially if you don't do what you promise. AG Milgram, in NJ, is taking action. We commend her for doing this and hope the others will too.
This is a new business model and becomes more popular as we do media against it. It's time for the law enforcement players ot do their best to make sure they follow the law. And I'll lend any support to them that I can.
ThanksState of New Jersey

Teen describes role in MySpace hoax - Internet- msnbc.com

Megan Meier died at her own hands after being harassed online by people posing as a cute 16-year-old boy on myspace. The people behind the cyberbullying attacks turned out to be a local neighborhood mom, Lori Drew. Ashley Grills, a babysitter who worked for the Drews helped set up the profile and together with Lori Drew tormented Megan. Mean words kill. Our new program, the megan pledge is designed to get 1 million young people involved in taking a pledge against cyberbullying and seeing suicide as an option.
I think it's time for the US Attorney for St. Louis area to charge Lori under the federal cyberstalking law.
Teen describes role in MySpace hoax - Internet- msnbc.com

Get involved with the megan pledge, let's hold adults responsible for their actions...Lori Drew should be in jail instead of redoing her basement.
Mean words kill!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Yayyyy!! :-) Webkinz World Recognized for Saftey with Best of the Web Award!! « Webkinz at a Bargain

Yayyyy!! :-) Webkinz World Recognized for Saftey with Best of the Web Award!! « Webkinz at a Bargain

Teenangels.org - Official Blog: the reflections of one of our teenangels when she presented for the first time oot parents

might be time to get this going again. :-)Teenangels.org - Official Blog: the reflections of one of our teenangels when she presented for the first time oot parents

Casi - Teenangels ringer :-)

Casi is one of my teenangels. specially-trained teen experts in cybersafety teach others, and advise the industry and government on these issues for wiredsafety.org, parent of teenangels.org. I needed a ringer, one of my winged angels who cold handle any question asked at the California state cybersecurity sumnmit in LA. My local teenangels and tweenangels had just started and were not trained yet. Casi blew them away. Building on skills she picked up in the program and has displayed on Tyra Banks among other public outlets, she is an amazing teen and empowers others.
I love her deeply.
ParrySlice of Rye

Thursday, February 28, 2008

identity of the task force members - MySpace

WiredSafety is a member of the newly announced task force on cybersafety created in conjunction with MySpace and the AGs: it also includes
. AOL
• Aristotle
• AT&T
• Bebo
• Berkman Center
• Center for Democracy & Technology
• Connectsafely.org
• Comcast
• Enough is Enough
• Facebook
• Google
• Family Online Safety Institute
• iKeepSafe
• Institute for Policy Innovation
• Linden Lab
• Loopt
• IDology
• Microsoft
• MySpace
• NCMEC
• Progress and Freedom Foundation
• Sentinel Tech
• Symantec
• Verizon
• WiredSafety.org
• Xanga
• Yahoo!

The Berkman Center Announces Formation of Internet Safety Task Force - Berkman Center for Internet & Society

Announcement of the formation of the task force and our involvement, as WiredSafety.org, as a member.The Berkman Center Announces Formation of Internet Safety Task Force - Berkman Center for Internet & Society

MySpace and Attorney General Task force announced on cybersafety initiatives and investigations

Today MySpace will announce the compilation of an industry and expert task force, as promised in their agreement with the 49 states attorneys general several months ago.

Headed by an esteemed professor from the Berkman Center, it will contain representatives from the industry and other Web 2.0 networks, non-profits and technology providers, among others.

I agreed to join the task force and to work with others to review what is being done and what can be done to make all Internet users safer and better informed.

It's a start. One of many.

wish us luck.
Parry Aftab
and WiredSafety

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Growing up online...and other risks

Birthparents being outed and birthparents finding their birthkids are problems few address when dealing with the Internet. It's a wonderful place to find long lost relatives and friends, but what if you don't want to be found?

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Sunday, February 10, 2008

3DWiredSafety: Wired Kids Summit Behind the Scenes

behind the scenes at our annual summit. this year tweens and teens form Canada and throughout the US presented to a packed house of industry, government and media. More to follow.3DWiredSafety: Wired Kids Summit Behind the Scenes

Saturday, February 02, 2008

The Tyra Banks Show: ATTENTION PARENTS! Protect Your Child From Cyber Bullies Archives

Tyra takes on cyberbullying in a way no one else can. Together with Tina Meier, the new honorary chair of The Megan Pledge program of Stopcyberbullying.org, and our teenangels (teenangels.org), the audience of middle schoolers learned how to deal with cyberbullying and how to avoid becoming one. We at wiredsafety.org cannot thank Tyra enough for her serious treatment of this secret epidemic.
Thank you.
The Tyra Banks Show: ATTENTION PARENTS! Protect Your Child From Cyber Bullies Archives

Thursday, January 31, 2008

bollestechguy - Video Xanga

The Bolles School chapter of our teenangels.org group created a video terasing us about our requirement that they submit a proposal for our wired kids summit presentations. In mock 20/20 format, these teens talk about the earth-shattering requirement of the "proposal!" :-) I think they have too much time on their hands. I need to give them more assignments. lol. The teenangels are hosting a summit in DC at Congress. Feb 6th.bollestechguy - Video Xanga

Imbee.com Settles FTC Charges Social Networking Site for Kids Violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act; Settlement Includes $130,000 Civil Penalty

I had spoken to the founders of this site two years ago. I was concerned then that people who don't understand the legal implications of dealing with kids online were entering the space. I know they mean well and have a good idea for building kids sites, but when you play in the kids space online, there has to be more than good intentions.
The FTC has once again shown the power of COPPA sanctions.
Good job!Imbee.com Settles FTC Charges Social Networking Site for Kids Violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act; Settlement Includes $130,000 Civil Penalty

Experts urge tough penalties for cyber-bullying - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Experts urge tough penalties for cyber-bullying - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Sunday, January 27, 2008

The naked truth: No privacy online -- themorningcall.com

as more and more young people post stupid things online, take naked pictures and send them to others in cyberspace and share secrets on their profiles, I ask..."what were you thinking?"The naked truth: No privacy online -- themorningcall.com

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The Eight Annual Wired Kids Summit


Given by teens and preteens for adults in the industry, media and government, this is one of the hottest invites each year. On February 6th in DC, the Teenangels and Tweenangels (you saw them in the Frontline special) will teach adult what they need to know about kids online and safety.

Seats are very limited, but I am still considering requests.

Parry

The Associated Press: Correction: MySpace Agreement Story

thanks.The Associated Press: Correction: MySpace Agreement Story

San Jose Mercury News - On the Net, bullying takes an insidious turn

When mothers act out and target kids, we have to do something. At least the LA Prosecutor is trying!San Jose Mercury News - On the Net, bullying takes an insidious turn

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Beating the cyberbullies

Good article, but don't rely on a print out to help in any case of cyberbullying. YOu need the live version of the communication to track the cyberbreadcrumbs. Visit stopcyberbullying.org for more info on what to do when cyberbullying happens.
Beating the cyberbullies

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Texas Lawyer Blog: Texas AG says no to MySpace agreement

why AG Abbott decided not to sign the MySpace deal.Texas Lawyer Blog: Texas AG says no to MySpace agreement

Economist.com's new online debate series and Parry's comments on learning in a social network environment

It takes a teacher who cares, who is willing to take the time to explore and engage her/his students in exploring. Valerie Schmitz heads one of our Teenangels chapters and is a brilliant educator. I highlighted one of her projects in my debate response. Let me know what you think.Economist.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

FRONTLINE: coming soon: growing up online | PBS

this special took more than a year to plan and execute. It is a complete look at the issues. I look forward to watching it. I enjoyed helping them develop the special. It's a must watch.FRONTLINE: coming soon: growing up online | PBS

Monday, January 14, 2008

MySpace, States Agree To Child Safeguards, Social Networking Site Will Make Changes Aimed At Thwarting Sexual Predators, Other Abuses - CBS News

Looking forward to seeing how this evoloves.MySpace, States Agree To Child Safeguards, Social Networking Site Will Make Changes Aimed At Thwarting Sexual Predators, Other Abuses - CBS News

Terre Haute, Indiana Weather, News, Sports and Entertainment WTHI.com, News 10, Leading the Way! | Indiana attorney general wants MySpace use illegal for sex offenders

Same misquote. The correction is that I estimate that 20% of teens have met someone in real life that they had only previously met online. Real life meetings of Internet strangers.Terre Haute, Indiana Weather, News, Sports and Entertainment WTHI.com, News 10, Leading the Way! | Indiana attorney general wants MySpace use illegal for sex offenders

The Associated Press: MySpace Agrees to New Safety Measures

The article should have said that I estimate that 20% teens have met people from the Internet offline that they didn't know in real life. I think this is a good first step and I congratuate the 49 AGs for staying on this issue. I also want people to know that MySpace really does care and work on this issue. It's just one that can't be totally solve, not yet.

But good first big step.

The Associated Press: MySpace Agrees to New Safety Measures

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Celebrating the life of Nigel Williams

Sometimes you remember those people who are gone but had an enormous affect on your life. Nigel Williams was one of those. I miss him still.Celebrating the life of Nigel Williams

JS Online: Teen warns about dangers of downloading

this story shares the real cost of "free" movies. Piracy doesn't pay!JS Online: Teen warns about dangers of downloading

Nick Lachey Launches Online Venture - Nick Lachey : People.com

although yfly has gone the way of many cyberventures...I couldn't miss this opportunity to highlight Nick and how kind and cute he is.Nick Lachey Launches Online Venture - Nick Lachey : People.com

GIPI | About GIPI

some of my favorite people, at an international summit.GIPI | About GIPI

Communication and Education Key to Keeping Kids Safe Online - Government Technology

Teenangels (teenangels.org), my expert teens present to the Governator, and are praised as among the most informative group at the summit!Communication and Education Key to Keeping Kids Safe Online - Government Technology