Do you know what website your child is on????
MYSPACE is growing rapidly in teen use.
by John Prinz
March 14, 2006
Parents of Junior High Students at Rankin School
Over the past months there has been a rapid growth of websites for teenagers to post personal information about themselves. These sites go beyond Instant Messenger, Chat Rooms and Blogs, in allowing the individuals to provide identifying information (name, location, age, interests, etc.) and allowing the posting of photos. Most children and young adults, who use these sites, do so to meet new friends and have electronic conversations.
Unfortunately, as with any available activity, there are those that use these sites for inappropriate reasons. Some use it to bully, intimidate and harass others. Some create pages for people they dislike, posting hurtful information and photos. Some uses list themselves as older (or younger) to reach out to a different group, often posting photos of themselves that might not be considered appropriate. Most dangerous are the predators, who scan these sites to identify and contact children. They use the personal information provided by the user to sound like a great friend or soul mate and then set up a meeting, which often results in significant criminal behavior and harm to the child.
Last week we became aware that a number of students had accessed one of these sites, "myspace", using the school computers to start or revise their own page. We have sent letters home to those students and have taken steps to limit access to that site and other similar sites (spacebook, Hi5, facebook, friendster) from school. They are blocked at our server for all students. We will continue to be alert to new sites of concern and add them to our blocked list.
We are sending this letter to inform you of the emergence of this issue in our school community. We encourage you to look at the sites, to read the articles at the web links listed below and to discuss the issue with your child. The Internet has the potential to be a wonderful learning tool but like any tool it must be used properly and safely. Each parent can set the guidelines and limitations they desire to protect their child in any activity, including their use of the Internet. We hope this letter provides the background you need to make an informed decision.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11064451/
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_50/b3963001.htm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11644084/
Please call if you have any questions or concerns.
