Social Networking Tools

Throw away the stamps and envelopes!" and "Keeping in touch with emails and letters is pretty 'lame' ". Why not get a myspace or facebook? Today, many middle, high school and college students have done exactly this. Sites like Myspace, Facebook, Livejournal and Xanga are becoming a part of everyday life and terminology for many young people. However if you were to ask parents, teachers or school faculty many would have heard of these sites but never actually visited them or thought of how it might affect students. Through these sites people of all ages create profiles that provide personal information and photos to connect with old friend or meet new ones. The forms of communication and information sharing include personalizing your web page, blogs, discussion groups, comments and emails. Even though many of these sites have programs in place to help protect the users under the User Agreements or Terms, there are millions of people using the site. Due to the large number of members for each site, it becomes the responsibility of each individual to be smart about what information they are putting on their page. Unfortunately, many teens appear to have no understanding that what they post in those communities is public, potentially permanent, and accessible by anyone in the world.

Problems that exist from the sites include:

• The sites are attracting many teens, some of which are not making good choices


• Many parents are not paying attention to what their children are posting online


• Sexual Predators, and other dangerous strangers, are attracted to places where teens aren't making good choices, and adults aren't paying attention.


• Unsafe disclosure of personal information (potentially damaging or dangerous personal information).


• Some teens become addicted to being online, checking their profiles, etc. which becomes a lack of healthy engagement in other areas of life


• Risky sexual behavior; becoming seduced by a sexual predator or child pornographer, and posting sexually suggestive material.


• Negative impact on student’s well-being and quality of the schools environment.


• Posting material on the sites that harms other students, provides clues or direct threats about suicidal or violent intentions, or provides indications of hate group or gang involvement, or drug sales and use."

To help protect youth, teachers need to be aware of what is going on with online social networking. The “just say no” or “just block them” approach is no longer effective so students need to be taught new methods of protection. One thing that will not help the problem is banning these sites at home or at school. So instead get everyone involved from guidance counselors, parents, teachers, principals, and students. Schools should provide parent awareness for the student’s usage of computers and the Internet at home. Everyone should be taught the dangers of these sites as well as the responsible way to use them. Sites like myspace and facebook can negatively affect a student, but with education, proper use, and adult involvement these sites can truly be positive networking tools.

Some other ways schools can get involved:

• A clear policy with a strong focus on educationally valuable use of the Internet -- no "Internet recess."


• Effective technical monitoring.


• Appropriate consequence

Online safety and responsible use guidelines for students include:

• Be kind to others. Think how you would feel if someone posted similar things about you.


• Think before you post. Material posted in these communities is public, could damage your reputation, or could be used to harm you. It is not private!


• Take steps to protect yourself and others from bullying and harassment. Report concerns to the Web site and to a trusted adult.


• Report to an adult if someone posts threats of violence or self-harm. Such threats could be real threats. Don't post threats yourself. Someone might take you seriously.


• Develop "stranger danger" detection skills. People online might not be who they seem to be. Develop a safety plan for meeting online friends that are approved by your parent.


• Stop the predators. If someone you think might be a sexual predator has contacted you, report it to a trusted adult.

If used properly and securely social networking can be a positive networking tool for both students and teachers alike.


Comments:

Kamisha says, "I feel that social networks are indeed a great way to keep contact with friends. I do believe however, that you must take caution when using them. Don't give out too much information and don't become every one's friend. Stick to the ones you already know."

Kristen says, “I think social networking tools are great. People need to be smart and responsible about their actions while using them though."

Nicolette says, “Cyber bullying is a problem that many kids face because of online social networks. As a high school student, rumors were spread about me through the network of livejournal. I can say from personal experience that these sites should be monitored and positively used.”
Sarah says, “I enjoy keeping in touch with friends that I have who are literally all over the world. I used to live in Europe, and social networking is one of the only "quick and easy" ways to keep in touch with those people. However, I have also experienced the 'cyber bullying' side of these sites. In High School, our senior class joke was that "LiveJournal ruined our lives". Many things went on online that affected our school environment. It also destroyed many friendships. These tools need to be monitored, especially by parents or other influential people in a child’s' life.”

Jacob says, "Social Networking has transformed the internet as we know it into what many are calling 'web 2.0'. This is the next generation of communication and interactivity between people of all ages for years to come."

Jerrica say, "If used properly social networking can be a great for finding and meeting new friends."