Social Networking
What are Social Networking websites?
Social networking websites are online communities where members share common interests and can make new friends and contacts. Members set up their own personalised profile or blog and can communicate with each other using email, instant messaging, chat, video etc. These profiles contain a certain amount of personal information, so it's important for parents to be aware of their child's use of such sites.
Well known sites include Bebo, MySpace and Facebook. There are also a number of Social Networking sites targeting younger children, for example Club Penguin, Stardoll etc.
What are the dangers?
The popularity of sites such as Facebook and Bebo mean that young users in particular may be exposed to greater risks online including: people accessing private information, cyberbullying, access to age-inappropriate content and even online grooming where an online predator may try to coax a child into a real life meeting.
How to use these sites safely?
Here are some tips for parents and guardians on how to help children use social networking sites safely:
- Keep up to date on your child's use of social networking sites
- Ensure your child is only signed up to age-appropriate sites
- Check the privacy policies of the sites your child uses to ensure they don't share personal information. Encourage your child to be wary of strangers online
- Teach them to be careful about the information they post online, especially contact information such as addresses and mobile phone numbers
Useful links
More information can be found at the following websites:
www.safesocialnetworking.com
www.thinkyouknow.co.uk/parents/
www.childnet-int.org/blogsafety/parents.html
www.digizen.org/socialnetworking/
Publications
Get With It! A Parent’s Guide to Social Networking Websites
