From the Classroom: Kids Girls Gone Wild–Drugs, Sexting, And More! Part 3
Hey, Annapolis! This is my third of three columns on problems facing teens today, such as gangs, sexting, and the Internet.
Well, we’ve heard a lot about the dangers of gangs, sexting and the Internet, but it’s not time to break out the bulletproof vests and throw the computer out the window—yet. With a little common sense and a little bit of caution, we’ll get through these generational obstacles. But here, just to give us a little help, are:
Seth Perry’s Top 10 Teen Safety Rules That The Guy From The State’s Attorney’s Office Probably Never Told You
1. Remember how it’s not a good idea to send naked pictures of yourself in texts or on the Internet? Yeah, well, it’s also an ill-advised tactic to send them through the mail. Having your friends see the pictures is bad enough, do you really want the creepy mailman looking at them?
2. Avoid dumb predators on the Internet. Obvious tip-offs that you may be dealing with a dumb predator:
- “Hi! I go to ur skool. Wut skool do u go 2?”
- “Hi! Im a kid ur age. How old r u?”
- “Hi! I like the same music u like. What do u think of Barry Manilow?”
3. Don’t assume that every little fourth-grade kid who can make the word ‘blood’ with his hands is a gang member, because those kids are still young enough to bite if you try to make a citizen’s arrest.
4. The Rollin’ 60s are not a nostalgic 60s-era rock band.
5. If you do arrange to meet in real life with people you meet online, meet in a safe, public place. Say, the police station.
7. Don’t think that just because you haven’t taken suggestive photos of yourself doesn’t mean you haven’t uploaded photos with nudity in ‘em. Did you ever put photos of your pets online? Were they wearing clothes? Thought not. What’s going to happen when their application to obedience school is rejected because of these pictures, huh?
8. To avoid confusion, don’t use the word ‘blood’ any longer unless you want to get carted off by the police. Sure, phrases like “A cold vital fluid-ed person” might get a little awkward, but you don’t want to create a misunderstanding, do you?
9. No one ever has a good explanation for having spray paint.
10. Write a letter to your Congressman demanding gun control. No joke in this one. I’m serious as a heart attack.
6. If you forgot about this one, you’re not paying close enough attention to what you read on the Internet. You’d better be careful, or you’ll wake up one morning to find out you’ve purchased a steam locomotive, a cabinet position in Uzbekistan, and an entire wardrobe full of Ralph Lauren polos.
Signing off safely,
Category: From The Classroom
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