PUBERTY

During adolescence, you begin to change the way you think and how you see the world. You like trying new things, spending more time with your friends, having fun, since technology offers you unlimited possibilities to do anything you like.

The internet is a place that gives us the possibility to interconnect with all the networks of the planet!

However, according to a pan European research (EU kids Online, 2009), teens face several risks online, such as, exposure of personal data, cyber bullying, meeting with strangers they’ve met online, etc.

It is important to remember that the internet is an extension of the real world. As you would never give information about your address, your telephone number or your photographs to some stranger you met in the street, you should do the same when it comes to strangers you meet online.

Besides, there is no such thing as personal data on the internet. Once uploaded online, the information stops being private and becomes public. Thus anyone can have access to it. Furthermore, you have to be careful of any comments, photos etc. you post on Facebook, since they belong, once uploaded, to Facebook which has the right to do whatever it wants with them, according to the terms and conditions that you accept when you register.

Exposing your personal data online can lead to cyber bullying or exposure to sexual predators (grooming).

Cyber bullying is when someone sends you harassing, offensive or threatening messages (at your mail, msn, Facebook, your cellphone), or when someone sends to others offensive messages about you. Further, when someone sends pornographic or vulgar material during chats, or makes fake profile about you using humiliating information or publishes your private info (e.g. photographs) online without your permission.

In regards to exposure to sexual predators (grooming), have in mind that there are people online who are mentally disturbed and sexually drawn to teens of your age. It is very likely that they will try to gain your confidence and then ask you to meet in person so that they will exploit/or sexually abuse you.

Remember not to meet with people that are not your friends from school or from your outdoor activities. You never know who is hidden behind a profile of someone your age.

Remember also that no one has the right to make fun of you on the internet and upset you. In such a case, you neither have to answer, nor endure everyone, so it is important you protect yourself. Talk about it with your parents or a professor/school teacher and, if necessary, press charges even anonymously, in the Greek Hotline for illegal Internet content: www.safeline.gr. This institute will find the true identity of the perpetrator and will take all the necessary actions in order to protect you. Also, you can call (charge free), the “I SUPPORT” line of the Adolescent Health Unit in 8001180015 and talk to professionals about how to deal with the situation.

Vassiliki Dimitrakopoulou

Psychologist, Scientific Associate of the Greek Society of Adolescent Medicine