The escape of the 13-year-old child from Spata after meeting a 23-year-old man through Facebook brings back the discussion about the dangers of the internet and specifically those from online social networking. Instead of chasing ghosts, however, it would be preferable to go on Facebook. Ignorance is no excuse for guardians and when there is a need - the guardian is the grandmother -, this role can and should be taken on by real friends with the help of their own guardians.
The first finding from the incident is that the 13-year-old age limit for creating a Facebook account is not being respected, but this is not new. The second finding is that on Facebook you can be however you want to appear, but this is also not new.
Children who meet online are likely to arrange to meet in person – a 2010 study found that 1 in 12 children do so, with the odds increasing for older children aged 15-16 (1 in 7 children). Shockingly, when they do arrange such a meeting, they usually limit themselves to informing one of their peers or no one at all. Combined with the ignorance of guardians, this meeting is characterized by high risk – anyone can appear on Facebook with a fake “profile”.
Don't talk to strangers
Facebook is a popular hangout and it is likely that a child will find friends and classmates there and may meet new people from “friend” to “friend”. For this reason, it remains high and even as an obligation for children to avoid strangers and to report suspicious/harmful or illegal behavior on the Internet. The list of obligations that minors must respect online was compiled by the Greek Safer Internet Center.
Facebook recommends the following to parents:
- Getting used to technology can be a challenge. Don't be afraid to ask your children to explain anything you don't understand.
- If you're not already on Facebook, consider joining. That way you'll understand what it's all about!
- Create a Facebook group for your family. This will give you a private space to share photos and stay in touch.
- Teach your teenagers the basics of online safety so they can keep their Facebook Timeline and other online accounts private and secure.
- Talk about safety in technology just like you talk about safety in driving and sports.
Nothing will help you if you don't talk to the child.
"Talk to the teenager"
- If you have a problem at school or on the Internet, will you come and tell me?
- Help me understand why you consider Facebook important to you.
- Can you help me create a Facebook Timeline?
- Who are your friends on Facebook?
- I want to be your friend on Facebook. Do you mind? If so, why?
- Visit the Safer Internet Center page
- Visit cyberkid.gov.gr (Ministry of Citizen Protection and Hellenic Police)
Communication with the Cybercrime Prosecution Sub-Directorate of the Hellenic Police is via email at ccu (at) ath.forthnet.gr.
