Today's post was written by Dr. Monika.

Let’s face it: Some children think it is cool because their friends have it, and for many owning a phone or a laptop is a way of connecting with friends and equates with some sort of graduation into the adult world.

 

As parents, we must not forget, though, that although technology can be very useful (if used properly), it can make people, especially children, vulnerable to falling into "cyber traps," as it is eloquently put by Frederick Lane, an author, attorney, and educational consultant in his book CYBER TRAPS FOR THE YOUNG.

In his book, Lane shows us how technology can prompt children into potentially illegal and/or threatening situations. He sheds light for parents on the many ways that online activities can jeopardize their children’s future. You can learn about intellectual property theft, cyberbullying, invasion of privacy, identity theft, hacking, sexting, and sextortion. Until I read this book, I wasn't even aware of some of these terms. The book enlightened me and gave me a better understanding of internet addiction and how that can be prevented.

Each chapter in Cyber Traps for the Young presents potential consequences of the above crimes. But what’s more important, he offers parents a good explanation of how serious those offenses are and what they can do to prevent their children from falling into any of those cyber traps.

Dr. Monika Pis Dr. Monika Pis is the Editor in Chief of our health, safety, and nutrition sections. She is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree earned at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  She has provided health care to infants, children, and adolescents for close to a decade. Read More >>