In this, our debut issue, we’re focusing on social networking. More than17 million youth ages 12 to 17regularly use the Internet-and of these, more than half (55 percent) use social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The good news is online interactionsrarely turn into real-world criminal incidents, according to the FBI. Most young people know about staying safe online-and most take precautions to keep their profiles safe, according to Pew. Still, most kids admit that a “motivated person” could eventually identify them based on their profiles.
What is Social Networking? A social networking site is a Website that lets users create their own pages and user profiles, post information, pictures and videos, and interact with each other-sort of like a big party in cyber space where you can search for people according to their interests and other criteria and start up an online conversation. We’re also including instant messaging (IM), mobile phone texting, and email lists under the social networking umbrella; they too have an incredible reach among young people, allow instant connection and interaction, and carry many of the same risks as the Websites. As this month’s Youth Voices writer Madison Brill told us: “When I and my friends say Internet, we mean not only Websites, but also e-mail, IM, and [mobile] phones.”
The Benefits and the Risks? These instant-interaction technologies can have tremendous benefits. Schools are increasingly using social networks in lessons, for clubs, and to reach students and parents. For shy or socially awkward young teens, these technologies can help them feel connected to their peers. But they also carry potential risks. The number of documented cases of online interactions turning into real-life predatory contact is small but may be growing.
What’s An Adult to Do? Children are often better versed in these technologies than their parents, guardians, and teachers, which can be intimidating. But helping kids get the skills they need to stay safer online is part of the job of being a parent, a teacher, or a school technology officer. Adults need to inform themselves so they can interact positively, and avoid reactionary or fear-based approaches that narrow the lines of communication.
bNetS@vvy is here to help. In this and future issues, we want to offer tools to help adults and young teens engage in activities together to demystify technology and learn from each other. We’re counting on you to make this a vibrant resource for your home and school. We want to hear from you-share your stories, contribute a column, ask the experts, and let us know what’s on your mind!
- Caitlin Johnson, Editor in Chief and Paul Sathrum, Senior Project Coordinator
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