Why do we call it social networking?
Chances are you and your friends don’t use the term social
networking. You might say, "I'm using MySpace," or "I'm updating my blog."
Websites like blogs, wikis, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and MySpace
allow users to create their own
content and/or connect with other people.
How can you help adults
understand the value of
social networking?
Talk to them about how you use social networking websites.
Teach them how to use the sites that match their interests.
What makes social networking great?
Staying in touch with friends and
family that are far away.
Networking with people that have similar interests as you.
Keeping in touch with events that are happening in your area and at your library!
What’s safety got to do with it?
Some people you meet on social
networking sites may not be who they say they are.
It is important to know how to be safe.
Change your passwords frequently, and never give them out.
Keep your profile and photos
private.
Be careful when chatting with
strangers and don’t give out your
personal information.
Never agree to meet someone in person without bringing a trusted adult with you.
Don’t be embarrassed to ask
questions.
Who can I talk to? Where can I go for more information?
Talk to an adult who you trust. There are many adults in your community who can help: family members, coaches, librarians, teachers, neighbors, clergy or family friends.
Check out these web sites as well:
Wired Safety
You can get advice through online chat service or become a “teenangel.” Teenangels are 13-18 year old
volunteers trained by law enforcement in online safety, privacy and security.
SafeTeens
Learn about the risks of using the internet, how to reduce spam, how to protect your privacy and more.
