BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) – Teens fighting, gang signs, excessive profanity. These are just some of the images found online. Most teenagers are extremely tech savvy, and parents may be unaware of their online activities.....whether it's on the computer or smart phone.
The 30 second challenge and the cinnamon challenge are just a couple teen trends going viral on the Internet. Some Facebook and YouTube links show possible gang activity. Many of these videos could have legal consequences.
“You've got some young kids looking up to you and mimicking, and acting drunk and stupid, you have to ask yourself, do you want to be responsible for a child losing their life because they were trying to be cool like you?” Donna McKinley tells us.
McKinley urges parents to play a roll. There is no reason your child should take their cell phone to bed, giving parents an opportunity to see who they're child is in contact with. You can also set up a Facebook page and friend your child. If you have an email address, you can set up an account.
Another idea McKinley recommends is to create a pass word with your child.
“It might be as simple as giving them a code word, so when they call you with that code word, hey mom, what's up? That means chew me out mom and let's get in a fight, but you get me home, i need you to be the bad guy right now and get me home.” For more teen trends and helpful ideas for parents, log on to www.mckinleyreports.com.
