Internet Safety
MySpace.com (or MySpace) is a free service that uses the Internet for online communication through an interactive network of photos, web-logs, user profiles, e-mail, web forums and groups, as well as other media formats. This all-inclusive service is sometimes called a social networking interface. MySpace is a very active site and additions and new features are being added constantly. (www.wikipedia.org, April 2006) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySpace.
While MySpace has provided a legitimate service to its users, dangerous liaisons have been cited, including teens being targeted by sexual predators. Currently, police are investigating possible MySpace connections in two murder cases. According to The Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2,600 incidents were reported last year of adults attempting to entice children via the Internet (www.cbsnews.com).
Due to the anonymous nature of the Internet, teens and predators alike often present themselves as someone other than who they truly are - older, younger, male, female, all to entice unwitting members. Additionally, teens often reveal too much personal information about themselves, making them targets of sexual predators. Anyone can read their profile which makes the seemingly anonymous nature of the Internet anything but private.
Students at Sun Valley High School are not permitted to visit MySpace.com and are urged prudence and restraint when using it at home. Parents are urged to monitor the use of this website and curtail any activities that are deemed inappropriate.
For more valuable information on MySpace, please click on the links below:
Michigan Girl Detained in Jordan
CBS News: MySpace: Your Kids' Danger?
MSN: Why parents must mind MySpace
MSNBC: MySpace.com on their Web site safety
Internet safety game
Internet safety quiz
While MySpace has provided a legitimate service to its users, dangerous liaisons have been cited, including teens being targeted by sexual predators. Currently, police are investigating possible MySpace connections in two murder cases. According to The Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2,600 incidents were reported last year of adults attempting to entice children via the Internet (www.cbsnews.com).
Due to the anonymous nature of the Internet, teens and predators alike often present themselves as someone other than who they truly are - older, younger, male, female, all to entice unwitting members. Additionally, teens often reveal too much personal information about themselves, making them targets of sexual predators. Anyone can read their profile which makes the seemingly anonymous nature of the Internet anything but private.
Students at Sun Valley High School are not permitted to visit MySpace.com and are urged prudence and restraint when using it at home. Parents are urged to monitor the use of this website and curtail any activities that are deemed inappropriate.
For more valuable information on MySpace, please click on the links below:
Michigan Girl Detained in Jordan
CBS News: MySpace: Your Kids' Danger?
MSN: Why parents must mind MySpace
MSNBC: MySpace.com on their Web site safety
Internet safety game
Internet safety quiz
