The plot of the film centers around a small school where some teens post a rumor about a student online. The consequences of  Cyberbullying, sexting, and filmed fights are shown with a rather accurate timeline – showing how quickly things can get out of control. Though this takes place in Australia, I find it to be right on target for the teens in my life.

If you are a parent or teacher, or simply have some kids in your life that you care about, I urge you to watch “Tagged” during your next coffee break. It may be something you want to discuss or share with the Teens in your life. Don’t miss the links for Teens and Parents and Schools which include lesson plans.

For more information on this topic, check out Stop.Think.Connect. This website has clear information on all the ways to stay safe online. Check out this post for more information about sexting. For more information about cyberbullying and where to turn, see this post. And finally, see this post for some more tips about talking to teens.

Stay safe out there!

Tracy

@McAfeeCyberMom on Twitter

When I first clicked on the link to watch the video, I was a bit wary and skeptical. I read a lot of stories like these each week and I was concerned about how this topic would be portrayed in the media. However Linda Kelly is incredibly well spoken and points out some very good points that explain the problem very clearly.

Here’s the premis: A young male and female meet online. A flirtation begins between the two. Because they are online and there is at least one barrier between the two [a computer, fake identity, etc], those two don’t have any physical signals that normally are there when you meet in person.

• They may not realize that the person is lying about their age, or that they are creepy or shy or socially awkward or a criminal.

• They seem to hit it off. The flirtation progresses much faster than it would in real life.

• They may start sharing suggestive photos or “sexting”.

So when the two meet in real life, the man might make certain assumptions about how quickly the relationship should progress sexually. Or the girl may feel comfortable with the person she thinks she is having this friendship with to meet them offline and they are a predator.

This is one of those stories where I cannot stress enough how important it is to share with the women in our lives to be careful online. Share this video with your friends and daughters and here are some points to discuss about how our normal survival skills are not in use when we have a relationship online.

• If the guy is considering all this online activity the first, second, third fourth and fifth date, what is expected when you meet in person?

• Are the pictures you post online too suggestive? Can viewers make assumptions about you because of the photos?

• Are you presenting the image that you want to share with the world, your friends and family?

• Be careful meeting people offline. Meet in a public place, bring a friend and do not agree to go with them in their car to another location.

Granted, there are lots of great happy endings about couples who meet online, but most people don’t get the fairy tale. Use your head when meeting new people online and offline. Even if the relationship has been going on virtually for a while, meeting offline is another experience and caution needs to be exercised. For more online dating tips, see my post here.

Stay safe out there!

Tracy

McAfeeCyberMom on Twitter