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Social Networking Sites
Teens and young adults have flocked to so-called social-networking sites, to the extent that kids who don't have a profile are becoming the exception to the rule. Cheaper, more accessible technologies have not only broken down barriers to multimedia production, but also psychological barriers to self-expression on the Internet. These social networking sites give children the opportunity to share stories, pictures, videos, and other files with friends and acquaintances.
For kids of this generation, who have used Internet-based technologies for many social purposes, posting a profile of one's self and sending messages and files to friends is a natural progression. There are certainly safety concerns that parents and children should discuss -- related to the posting of inappropriate content, personal information, and contact with friends they make online.
Children should never post personal information -- like contact information, or last name -- online without first checking with a parent. Parents should read the company's privacy policy carefully prior to disclosing personal information about a family member.
Resources for parents:
- BlogSafety.com is a new resource created by Larry Magid of Safekids.com and Anne Collier of Net Family News. It outlines basic guidelines for teens' safe blogging and social-networking.
- For parents, there's the new Net Family Forum. (Teens are welcome, too!) Post your concerns, share your concerns, and ask other parents (and teen bloggers) questions about their experiences with social networking sites -- many other parents share your concerns and may have insight for you if you are worried about your child's online socializong and media uploading.
- On this site, you can find software filters that prevent your child from entering his or her address, phone number, or other material.
- Consider installing monitoring software that will disclose if your child has entered personal information.
