Social Networking on the Web!

The National Institute on Media and the Family has the best resources that I have found yet concerning educating parents as to how to keep their family safe in today’s technological world. They cover many topics, one being Social Networking. Their two newest readings are: Guide to Social Networking: Rewards and Guide to Social Networking: Risks.

A quick summary of “risks” are as follows:
*Avoid inappropriate information, using full birthday, address/phone number, and any schedules.
*Know most of the people that are added as “friends”.
*These are public spaces so avoid private conversation topics.
*Keep deeply personal information in a “real life” journal.
*Post only appropriate pictures/videos and limit who accesses them.

In turn, the “rewards”:
*Research shows networking online allows connections in new ways.
*Social networking is a way to strengthen relationships.
*New interests can be explored and new opportunities can arise.
*Kids who might have a hard time otherwise, may find a strength of their own through online communications.
*Social networking allows access to new information that may not have been available in a home or school setting.

Schools and families need to work together to set boundaries, guidelines, and rules for a safe online networking experience for students. They can achieve this by communicating with each other and sharing information. It is important for parents to know what their child is doing in the online world and students need to be supported in these digital times. Schools and teachers need to be equipped with the technologies and knowledge to support students in our ever changing world!

Share here about social networking sites!