QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) -
The Internet has become a part of our everyday lives, but what if it could be putting your child in danger?
Parents gathered Friday at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Quincy to learn more about how to protect their kids online.
"Students are multimedia users now. They're on multiple platforms, just like adults are and so it's making sure that we're aware of what they're on and helping them develop some types of limitations," said Christine Feller, Internet safety specialist.
Feller says social media can be a great way to connect with people, but dangerous if kids don't know how to use it properly.
"Students assume three things; one they assume they have privacy when they're online, secondly, they can delete what they post, and finally, that they have the ability to be anonymous," said Feller.
Quincy High School Guidance Counselor Jessica Beaston says the idea of anonymity can get kids into trouble.
"They all have cell phones these days so, I mean from one class to the next someone could say something to one person and it could spark a fight or a rumor that starts," said Beaston.
Feller says parents need to have open conversations with their kids about consequences.
"Talk to our children about what it is that we saw online," said Feller. "Have that discussion with them on a one on one setting."
Beaston says even though her daughters are too young to start using technology, it's something she has thought about for when they get older.
"One thing that I definitely will make sure that we do as parents is making sure that we are up on educating ourselves on what's going on," said Beaston.
