Contents |
What is Microblogging?
Microblogging, as the name would imply, is blogging on a smaller scale. While creating a full-blown blog generally entails the posting of paragraph- or page-long text entries, photos, and even videos, microblogging condenses online journaling to a series of short updates. By logging onto the microblogging website or accessing the web through a mobile device, such as a cell phone, a user can write a short update that will be published for all web users to see.
Microblogging is gaining rapid popularity as a fun and easy mode of social networking. Right now, the most popular microblogging service is Twitter.
Concerns for Parents
- Like any form of social networking, microblogging allows your child to interact with people across the globe. Online predators and other shady characters may try to start a conversation with your child. Because microblogging allows such up-to-the-minute updates, broadcasting overly-personal info through a site like Twitter could even lead to cyberstalking.
How Can I Keep My Child Safe?
- Twitter profiles have privacy settings. You can allow as many or as few people as you'd like to see a Twitter page.
- After setting age-appropriate privacy and security settings for your child (note that the minimum age to create a Twitter account is 13), reiterate the basics of Internet safety. Anything posted online has the potential to be seen by anybody! Be wise about what personal information is posted and follow all rules of Netiquette.
- Be sure your child chooses a safe username that will not attract sexual predators or cyberbullies.
Where Can I Learn More?
Here's a helpful article outlining what parents should know about Twitter.
Read this blog post about Twitter and kids.
