Can my child’s online activities hurt their chances of getting into a good college?
Dr. Gwenn: In today’s culture, “what goes online, stays online.” So if an inappropriate picture of your child or wall post from your child ends up online, that could hurt your child’s reputation and ability for college admission and ability to get even a summer job. For this reason, it’s very important to discuss privacy setting as well as appropriate posts of messages and pictures. Parents should also reinforce the need to “friend wisely” online—and also offline. Are there warning signs that my kid has been cyberbullied? Dr. Gwenn: The only sure sign is if you child tells you directly or if you learn of an instance of cyberbullying from another source. Other warning signs may imply that trouble is brewing, including if your kid is avoiding afterschool activities or not wanting to ride the bus or walk home. A change in school performance, anxiety, depression or the development of physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches can also be tell-tale signs. What do I need to teach m
