Social networking sites provide a means for Internet connected users to interact with each other and form groups of friends.  Some people use these sites as an alternate method of communication when they are away from home and many others simply post messages about their activities so their friends can keep up on their activities.  These sites, however, also pose unique threats to the safety and security of children.

     The two social networking sites that appeal the most to youngsters are myspace and facebook. Both require an e-mail address to set up an account and also require users to specify their age and gender. The personal profile section permits registered users to supply a photograph along with contact information, interests, family details, education, and employment history.

     Any user may search existing myspace profiles by name, display name, or e-mail address. Search results may be filtered by gender, age, and/or location. Simply browsing through user profiles reveals user information to anyone with the desire to spend the time perusing.

     When you set up a myspace account, you first enter an e-mail address. A message is sent to the address that you supply and you click on the provided link to continue. The system then prompts you to upload a photo. This step is very inviting, especially for young users but can be bypassed. You are also prompted to enter information about the schools that you attended and the location of your residence.  Registering with facebook entails a similar process.

     At first glance, this information may seem harmless but posting this information online is very risky for children. A child-predator could gain a wealth of information about your child by simply browsing to a profile page. Once a child is located, the child-predator can send messages to the child's e-mail account, try to call the child on the phone, or worst yet attempt to make personal contact.

     Another threat of social networking is that of cyberbullying.  The story of the young lady who committed suicide after an incident of nasty posts showing up on her myspace page was all over the news.  This is an extreme case opf the possible results of cyber bullying and most incidents do not have such devastating effects.  However, children should not be exposed to such episodes.  The incidents of bullying in the neighborhood or at school are bad enough for children to deal with.  Cyberbullying takes the insults and places them where anyone in the world can see them.

     No child under the age of 13 years should be registered with any of the social networking sites that cater to adults. The appeal is apparent because children get connected at earlier ages but the threats to child-safety may be enormous.