Each November Internet-safety organizations, tech and media companies, researchers, authors and policymakers gather in Washington, D.C., to get an update on young people's social media practices, safety and privacy at "FOSI," the nickname for the Family Online Safety Institute's annual conference. That update just happened, and here are my top takeaways. Internet safety not really about the … [Read more...] about Top takeaways from US’s top Net-safety conference
FOSI
Great opportunities launched on Safer Internet Day
Now here's an interesting question, one that young digital media users don't hear a lot: "What does the good side of the Internet look like?" They're invited to submit a creative answer to that question in video format, either as individuals (aged 13+) or as students on behalf of a particular school, for the 2013 "What's Your Story" contest launched today, Safer Internet Day, Feb. 5 (for more on … [Read more...] about Great opportunities launched on Safer Internet Day
The trust factor in parenting online kids
A new study indicates that a lot of parents who monitor their kids online and on phones do so without their children knowing it. The study – "The Online Generation Gap," just released by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) – found that 70% of parents check the text messages on their teens' phones, while only 30% of the teens are aware they do, and 84% of parents monitor their teens' Web use, … [Read more...] about The trust factor in parenting online kids
One of the best back-to-school messages I’ve seen
Well, two great back-to-school messages, actually. I'll get to the one from two organizations in a minute. First, one from a parent: At a time when so many families are feeling swamped with stuff added to schedules and school supplies lists – and that's on top of run-of-the-mill, everyday parental pressures that probably include worries about what young peers are up to online, in games, and on … [Read more...] about One of the best back-to-school messages I’ve seen
Teens’ social media experiences largely positive: Study
Social media spaces are positive spaces for the most part, Amanda Lenhart of the Pew Internet Project reported at the annual Family Online Safety Institute conference today. "People in social network sites are generally kind," she told the audience as she shared the findings of a Pew report released today, adding that the vast majority of teen social networkers said that a friendship had been … [Read more...] about Teens’ social media experiences largely positive: Study