When I wrote about my review of the Google Bomb book, I was not surprised about all the emails and comments I received concerning online reputation.  I felt like I had learned a lot from reading this book and was a little less naive about the potential threats online.

Soon after my review, I was contacted and asked if I wanted to speak with Michael Fertik, CEO of Reputation Defender.  Of course I was intrigued and open to finding out more ways of how we can protect ourselves online.

I think my biggest concern online is keeping my children safe.  I hear more and more about cyber-bullying and the damaging effects it has on the children being targeted.  Kids can be cruel and the internet has become a weapon in spreading that cruelty.  I like the way Michael described it best.

In the past, kids passed notes in class to spread rumors and viciousness.  Now they use the internet.  The behavior has not changed, just the medium.

I remember a manager and colleague of mine who was informed that the favorite topic of discussion in his employees’ Facebook walls was him.  They were using Facebook to discredit his reputation.  This made it hard for him to go to work and face his employees every day.

I don’t want my children to ever face feeling helpless about being a target of cyber-bullying.  Cyber-bullying is not my only concern as well.  There are a lot of sick people out there who target children and teenagers and seek information on how to contact them offline.

Why does it matter what people are saying online?  How can the internet harm your child?  Maybe these statistics can answer both questions:

• 53% of Americans Google each other.  Pew Internet & American Life

• 26% of college admissions officers use search engines to research candidates.  University of Massachusetts Center for Market Research

• 64% of teens say that most teens do things online that they wouldn’t want their parents to know about.  anti-drug.com

• 77% of executive recruiters use search engines to research applicants.  CareerBuilder

So how can you protect your Child?

MyChild is Reputation Defender’s solution.

MyChild by ReputationDefender scours the Internet for all references to your child or teen – by name, photography, screen name, or social network profiles – and packages it to you in an easy-to-understand report. Worried about bullies? Concerned that your teens’ friends and peers are posting inappropriate materials online? MyChild searches every corner of the Internet for traces of your kids. If you want to help your teen manage their online reputation, but have felt powerless to do so, ReputationDefender is your answer!

They have a lot of great solutions and ways to protect the whole family as well.  You can find a tailored package to help give you control of your online reputation.  Michael was generous enough to offer Conversations with Moms’ readers 25% off the MyChild package.

Be sure to enter promo code “Maria” at the end of registration.

Promo Code “Maria”

I was not paid for this review.