I have made this perfect little cocoon for my family. Our home is our sanctuary. We are free to be who we want to be with no outside distractions. Our home really feels like a home. It is not just a house. It is filled with the smell of flowers in the garden, scented oils in the lounge room, fabric softener fills the air in the bedrooms & the laundry. Everything in our home is comfy & cosy. There are photo’s, shells, paintings & handmade ornaments all through out.
It is our home, it is our safe place.
Now, I feel as though my home is not so calm & tranquil.
Outside influences have disrupted our sanctuary.
Cyber harassment is now part of our lives & it can never be undone.
I can not go into all the details, this is not the place, it is not the time. Things are still going on.
What I want you to do is check your kids social media.
If you do not have access, make them give you their passwords. It is not snooping, it is not an invasion of privacy………It is being a great parent.
Do you know what your kids are writing?
Do you know what other kids are writing to your kids?
I am not just talking about bullying.
There is a lot of other things that go on online than just bullying.
I have always know the passwords, I have the emails linked to my emails, I have done all the right things.
It does not stop others from doing the wrong thing but I am protecting my children to the best of my ability.
I was able to be the protector. I always will be. My kids know that.
People may say that kids should not be on the internet but how can you not let them when it is part of the school requirements. To think that you will never let your kids on the internet is a fantasy. They have to do their homework, they have to do school work. Some schools now even require students to have a laptop. The government is handing out laptops.
Because some other parents are not checking their kids messages, emails & social media, my family & other families just like ours have been shattered by the words that are typed.
I am not pointing the finger at anyone.
What I want to do is raise awareness.
When was the last time you checked what your kids are typing while online?
Jos, I am so sorry to hear this. I am not yet at that stage with my kids - although they do access the internet for homework but it's always under my direct supervision. I think it's great that you have access to passwords etc - I know so many parents who probably wouldn't even go to half the protection that you've put in place. It's a shame when other people have to destroy what you've been so diligent to protect. Your girls are very blessed to have you as their mother. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely words Debbie. xx
Deleteso sorry to hear this :(
ReplyDeleteThank you Jo xx
DeleteAnd that there is why I won't allow my almost 11yr old son to have a facebook account, no matter how much he pleads and no matter how many of his friends have one (and this I know because they send friend requests to me thinking he may use it, which he doesn't). I am holding him off as long as possible but I won't always be able to :(
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that your family has seen the awful side to social media
Biggest hugs Jos - to you and your family. I am so worried about what things will be like in a few more years when my girls start even thinking about wanting to get into social media / iphones / etc (hoping it will be so last century by then). Thank god you at least were in protector mode with access etc
ReplyDeleteJos big hugs lovely to you and your family. My boy is nearly 14 and I have his passwords and regularly check. This is my worst nightmare and you are living it. Oh gosh I have goosebumps and feel so sick for you. The love that you have will guide her through this. Sending so much love xxoo
ReplyDeleteWhile we aren't up to that stage of schooling life, I am taking note of your advice now so I can use it when the time comes. I'm confident that your family will weather this storm and come out the other side stronger.
ReplyDeletexo
So sorry Jos. Sending big hugs to your and your family.
ReplyDeleteI have both my children's passwords and regularly check their online interaction.
ReplyDeleteSome of what others post can be terribly damaging, but so far I am proud of how my sons have handled things. Did you know on FB all chat goes into their messages?
That way you can see what has gone down.
So sorry you are living this nightmare.
Jos, I have been where you are. You do your best to protect, educate and guide your child, then someone elses child drops a bomb into your lives through the frickin computer. My son was in grade 8 and ended up in a horrible situation that exposed him to things that he never should have had to deal with. We are very strict now on online/ computer stuff and even tho he is now 16, we watch facebook/ his laptop etc like hawks. Much love to you and your girls Jos.
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