Yes, this is my status update for you ;)
Instead of writing my own blog, I've decided that I will recap some of the greats from your pieces. I'm pretty sure I couldn't have said it better than these students...
from Ali's "Internet Predators and Internet Safety"
When it comes to the topic of social networking, my opinion is very obvious… everyone should be able to use them with proper supervision and safe surfing. The social networking sites work as a great tool for those who utilize them for what they are really for: networking. Even though these predators are a reality, there are ways to prevent them from harming you or your family; it just takes a little bit of common sense and safe surfing. Social networking sites are important to our society and they should NOT be limited.
from John M's "Social Networking Sites"
Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook have become a significant part of today's society. Sites like these have become a primary source of communication for many people and a way to reconnect with old friends. Basically they are a great way to keep in touch with people who aren't important enough to warrant a phone call or face to face interaction.
from Pearlie's "Practicing safe 'Net: Social Networking Sites and the Blame Game"
I was not very sheltered as a child, hoewever, one thing my mother made sure I always had plenty of was common sense. If we teach our children right from wrong, and arm them with the tools they need to protect themselves online and in the real world, we would be able to finally stop this silly blame game.
from David's "Social Networking"
A child molester under a false name and valid email address can easily setup an account, a child of 12 can pose as 18 with just a click of a button. Although technology has added security to social networks anything short of facial recognition or fingerprint verification still leaves room for dishonesty. Much like a burglar adapts to new security features in a home, in the same way someone who wants to do bad things on the internet will find away to do it.
from Kyle's "The Responsibility in Social Networking"
My family life is what has most influenced my opinion on this matter. I have a younger sister and try to stay very aware of how she "markets" herself. If I found out that she was putting pictures up of herself that others could pray on I would be disappointed in her not the website. I use most of these sites and I see how easy it would be for a predator to use them towards their advantage, but I also see how easy it is to keep them from being able to use your personal page. Either way you look at it YOU are responsible for what YOU post, the website does not force you to use their website.
from John D's "The Evils of Social Networking"
If you cut yourself with a knife, who do you blame? The knife? Probably not. If you poke yourself with a needle, do you sue the needle for being too sharp? Hey, you might win! But again, probably not. If you find out that your child is the victim of an internet predator, who do you blame? Suddenly, it's far more serious. Obviously, the predator is to blame, but who else is guilty? The predator would not have reached your child if not for the internet. Clearly, the internet should be held responsible, right? Well, not exactly. The internet is a tool. Much like the knife, if you don't use it right, you might get cut. So who is to blame? The child? Maybe, but then the child really can't be expected to know any better, especially if they are very young. In the end, the responsiblity falls on the parents.
from Shelia's "Online Networking"
MySpace and Facebook have opened up doors to lots of friendships and even relationships. However, they have also been the root of many cases of sexual assults. Many a times people who are not as sensible to these kinds of attacks are the one's who become the victims, whereas; someone who is more knowledgable as to not talk to strangers or untrustworthy characters is a lot less at risk.
Keep up the fantastic work!
