Too Many Kids Give Information Online

As the owner of a number of sites that appeal to kids (Wizards of Waverly Place, Percy Jackson, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, etc.), I get a lot of comments on my blogs from kids. From the most part, they are either complaining about their parents not wanting to buy things for them or are asking for more information about celebrities. What worries me most, however, is the kids giving out personal information.

The other day I had a little boy leave a comment on my Diary of a Wimpy Kid blog that was clearly meant for the author. He didn’t understand that it was just a fan site. He told the author that he was hoping that the author would send him a t-shirt for his birthday. He gave out his full name, email address, date of birth, and mailing address. Thankfully, I do not allow the comments to autopost. Even more thankfully, I am not an online predator now sitting with all of that information.

Parents need to teach their kids not to give out ANY information about themselves at all. Many sites like Webkinz and Club Penguin help limit the information that can be given. But kids with access to the general Internet need to understand what happens when they leave blog comments or sign up for “contests” online.

And don’t think that your kids just won’t get online. They will find ways to get onto the Internet at some point–at home, school, or even a friend’s house. Instead of just blocking them from it, teach them how to use it appropriately.