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Thank you so much for joining in this discussion, it is so good to hear the views of parents and young ones alike.
What is so good that you have shared you personal experiences, which goes to show how real and serious the issues related to social networking are.
As parent we can only educate our children and trust them to do the right thing as anything else in life.
My advice to our young girls is to be responsible, if there is an age limit for something it is for good reason. You are responsible for your own safety too. Never expose yourself and never let your guard down.
There always needs to be a balance in everything we do, it is good to open up the gates of free communication with your children, befriend them in a manner where they are able to come forward and discuss anything they wish to but it is also important to main the authoritative line that says I am still your parent and you are still my child.
I don't think anyone is truly ignorant of the dangers that loom but it's always a matter of 'it won't happen to me' attitude that sometimes causes problems. The reality is that anything can happen and will happen if you do not safeguard yourself.
It would be unfair to say that everyone sitting on the other side of cyber space is a bad person, no. There are many many good people in the world who connect and come together through the virtual world, you as a responsible young person or adult just have to be a good judge of character.
As someone who works with vulnerable and often troubled children and young people the one thing I would say to parents other than to educate your children is to be vigilant. Changes in behaviour may seem minor and you may blame the stroppy teenage hormones but there is always a reason, no matter how small. Reach out to your children and families and ensure that you are always one step ahead.
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