Social Networking

Social networking sites (SNS) such as MySpace, Facebook, Bebo, and Twitter are popular with teens because they give them

    An easy way to share their lives with their friends and family
    The chance to try on different identities and explore new interests
    A semi-private platform on which to communicate outside of the supervision of adults

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Tips
Help children use social networking sites safely

Social networking sites can have many benefits for children, such as allowing them to explore new interests. Help your children use them more safely by going over the following tips and discussion starters.

    Check your child’s friend lists to see who has access to his or her profile. Make sure your child knows all friends in person.
    Teach your child to set profiles to private–but be aware that privacy settings do not guarantee complete privacy.
    Have your child remove any inappropriate content and photos and delete any personal information.
    Check the profiles of your child’s friends to see if there is revealing information or photos about your child.
    Report inappropriate or criminal behavior to the appropriate authority. Most sites have a reporting mechanism for non-criminal behavior. Criminal behavior should be reported through law-enforcement agencies and the CyberTipline® at www.cybertipline.com.

Discussion Starters
Start a discussion with your child

Use these discussion starters to get an Internet safety conversation going with your children. The more often you talk to them about online safety, the easier it will get, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t respond immediately!

    Could you show me your online profile(s)?
    Do you use your real name or age when communicating with others online?
    What kinds of things do your post on your page?
    How do you decide who to add as a friend?
    Would you feel comfortable if I checked your profile?