Family Matters

Understanding Omegle

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight an app, OMEGLE, that has been popular with students in our community but poses some risks.
 
WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
 
1. The app allows anyone to connect with your kids via video chat. Users need to be aware that anything that is said can be shared with third parties. There appear to be no real mechanisms in place for reporting problems or abuse.
 
2. There is an age requirement in place to block younger users from sexual content of the video feature but this requirement is easy to circumnavigate. The app will ask if you are over 18, but anyone can click okay and be immediately connected.
3. Users have the option to connect Omegle to their Facebook accounts in order to be paired based on their “likes”. This also gives Omegle access to users’ basic Facebook information and Facebook friends may potentially view Omegle activity. In addition, users have the ability to save the chat log and share the link without the other user’s knowledge.
Parents need to know that this chat site’s catchphrase, "Talk to strangers!", says it all. Though created by an 18-year-old, Omegle is not for kids. The site puts two strangers together in a chat room. Though chats start out anonymous, users often ask for and share personal information. Language is uncensored, and sexual references and requests for email addresses are common.
The extra downtime this summer might mean that your children will engage with social media more often. Below please find resources compiled from Common Sense Media that provide detailed information on the latest new apps. The titles below will provide you with a sense of what your child - or their friends - may be using and what you need to know about each app. Keep in mind that because all of these apps are free that the developers make money on them through in-app purchases, ads, and selling user data.


FAMILY MEETINGS
Summer carries the gift of long, unstructured days, which might offer the opportunity to introduce the Family Meeting into your weekly routine  “A family meeting is a powerful tool to create a bonded, resilient family unit and raise confident kids.  You can discuss your family goals, give encouragement, share support, and much more -- the list of ideas is endless!”

Summer Book Recommendations

Under Pressure
Dr. Lisa Damour
One of my favorite books this year is Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls. Dr. Damour shares what’s normal and actually beneficial for teen girls when it comes to stress and anxiety, when you should worry, as well as the options available for talking with girls to reduce their stress and anxiety on everything from embracing their bodies, dating, to setting boundaries. While the research in this book focuses on girls, the data points about stress bypass gender and provide parents with the important understanding that stress and anxiety are generally normal and healthy, and with our guidance, kids can manage these stressors.


How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
Adele Faber, Elaine Mazlish
This bestselling book helps parents make their relationship with their children more rewarding and less stressful. The book describes common problems parents have with their children and provides clearly described strategies (along with illustrated cartoons!) and language parents can use to improve relationships.
 
 

RESOURCES

Click on a topic below for a complete list of resources

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