Social Networking

A social networking site is a web site specifically focused on the building and verifying of social networks for whatever purpose. Many social networking services are also blog hosting services. Social networking creates online communities that give kids a way to communicate with friends and express themselves through a variety of media.

Examples:

myspace.com, friendster, xanga.com, myyearbook, facebook.

These social networking sites provide a medium for persons to meet new people. Kids create their own pages with pictures and invite "friends" to join. They offer kids an instant community. The majority of activity on these sites is legal and can be positive. Teens who are curious connect with friends and seek like-minded individuals. However, many are not aware they are putting themselves in danger by giving out too much personal information and communicating with people they've only met online.

Stay Safe:

First, talk with your children about how they use a social networking site. What content are they posting on their site? Is the content private or public? Who are they interacting with? It is recommended that a person use a screen name that does not entice predators. Kids can get very creative with their away messages, which can be fun, but caution your teens not to use the away message to reveal anything inappropriate, including where they plan to be while away from the computer.  Read My Space Unraveled (Collier, 2006) for more information.

Additional Resources:

Social Networking
Informaton, tips, and discussion starters about Social Networking from NetSmartz.

Social Networking Tips
Information about social networking and tips on how to keep you child safe while they use them from GetNetWise.org.

Internet Survival Guide - Social Networking
A parents guide put out by CommonSenseMedia.org

OnGuard Online
Tips for parents and kids on how to be safe while using a social networking site.

Friend Finder Game
Compete with our contestants for a spot on the Friend Finder All-Star List. Earn your spot by showing your savvy when it comes to making friends online.

FAQ about Social Networking
Information and tips on how to stay safe in a social networking sites from ThinkUKnow.

What's New Online - Social Networking
Information for Teens about Social Networking from ThinkUKnow.

Social Networking
Read the latest news and informaton about Social Networking by BeNetS@vvy.

Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens
Tips and information about social networking sites from OnGuard Online.