RCMP advise parents that if their child has a Facebook or other social networking account, they should do the
following:

• Know their password and check their account weekly to find out what they are posting and who is contacting them.

• Regularly check who they are allowing as “friends.”

• Make sure the pictures they are posting are approved by you and don’t let them post pictures that are sexually suggestive or make them look older that they are. The RCMP recommends that children not post any pictures of themselves (or their friends). Although it may be an innocent picture, it may contain clues to identify the child’s location, such as a school logo on a hoodie. This information can be used by a predator to garner information about the potential victim.

• Discuss openly with your child the pros and cons of the Internet, social networking sites, and the specific information they have posted on their profile.

• Report anything that causes concern to the police and to the site’s abuse section. Every social networking site provides a means of reporting inappropriate or illegal behavior.

• Check the security settings on their account. Make sure only people on their friends list can see their profile.

• Check their profile. Under settings, Facebook will ask you if you are interested in “men” or “women.” Make sure your child has not checked the box saying they are interested in one of these categories.