SOCIAL NETWORKING

What parents need to know about social networking

(NC)-Even if you're not entirely sure what 'social networking' means, you've probably heard your kids talking about Facebook, MySpace or Windows Live Spaces. Connecting with peers via personal web pages on hosting sites like these has become a phenomenon, especially amongst teenagers. Being able to keep up-to-date with their friends is cool, but what's not is that these pages could potentially be viewed by anyone with an Internet connection. In light of this danger, there are things parents need to know and communicate to their children. By reviewing the following points from MSN Canada's Online Safety site at http://safety.Sympatico.MSN.ca, you can help your kids from wandering into unknown virtual territory.

. Educate yourself about the sites your kids are visiting. Evaluate them and read the privacy policy and code of conduct carefully. Find out if the site monitors content that people post on their pages and review your child's page.

. Encourage your kids to communicate only with people they've actually met in person. With Windows Live OneCare Family Safety settings, you can manage your kids' contact lists on Windows Live Hotmail, Messenger and Spaces and only allow them to connect to friends you approve.

. Be wary of other identifiable information in your child's profile. Many social networking sites allow kids to join public groups that include everyone who goes to a certain school. Don't allow them to post other information that could be used to identify them, such as where they work or the name of their town.

. Consider using a site that is not very public. Some social networking sites allow you to password-protect your site or use other methods to limit viewers to only people your child knows. With Windows Live Spaces, for example, you can set permissions for who can view your site.

Social networking doesn't have to be dangerous - it can be a great way for kids to communicate with classmates from school or friends abroad. By being aware of the risks, you can easily prepare your child to stay in touch the safe way.

Source: www.newscanada.com