Social Networking

Social networking sites are online communities in which members can view information about other members, and develop a network of friends and contacts.  Once you become a member of such a site, you can contact other members in various ways, such as messaging or using chat rooms or forums. You may also be able to write a ‘blog’, and read and subscribe to other members blogs.

Examples of Social Networking Sites Include:

www.facebook.com
www.myspace.com
www.bebo.com

Watch this video to see how to set up a Facebook page

In order to join a social networking site, you must register several pieces of information. This varies from site to site, but usually includes your name, email address and date of birth. Some sites require more information before registration, such as your gender, location (city, country) and postcode. You may be asked to state what you intend to use the site for – to make new friends or keep in touch with current friends etc. Users are also required to submit a username and password before their account can be created.

Once you have created an account, you will be asked to create a profile telling other members about you. This can include as much or as little information as you like. Most sites will ask you to list your interests and hobbies, and ask you about your favourite films, music, books, TV, icons etc. Sites targeting specific groups of people may ask for other information relating to the nature of the site.  For example, religious websites may ask you about your religious beliefs and church. It is usual for sites to request a photo of you to display on your profile, and some have the facilities to upload video footage too.

Who can see this information?

The extent to which this information is publicly available varies from site to site.  Some sites will show this information to all other members or even allow visitors to the site to see your profile details. Others will only allow members included in your personal network to view your profile details. Certain sites allow you to choose who is allowed to see your details, and you may even be allowed to select certain pieces of information to display or hide.  When using a Social Networking Site, you should be aware of who can access your information and change your privacy settings to a level you are comfortable with.

The Problems:

Grooming

‘Grooming’ happens when an adult sets up a profile and pretends to be a young person in order to contact other young people. By posing as a young person, the adult may find it easier to establish trust and encourage the other member to disclose more information about themselves. Young people may also be encouraged to meet this person offline, believing them to be another young person. This is why it is important that you are aware that people on the internet may not be who they say they are, and if you do agree to meet up with them offline, ensure you take an adult or trusted friend and meet them in a public place.. 

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying via the medium of the Internet or other mobile technologies.  Cyberbullying can be very hurtful, stressful and upsetting, just like regular bullying, but it is often exacerbated because unlike regular bullying where you can walk away from the situation, there is no escape.  If you are being cyberbullied and would like more help, advice or information go to www.cybermentors.org.uk, a provision from Beat Bullying, where you can talk to trained young people about your experiences and get help and advice on the best steps to take.

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking occurs when a person uses message and chat facilities to engage in relentless and unwanted contact with another. Using social networking sites can make you more vulnerable to this kind of behaviour. The availability of personal information contained in online profiles makes it easier for cyberstalkers to target victims via the Internet, and unfortunately, if the user has included information such as postcodes or school addresses, it may be possible for the cyberstalker to locate them in the real world too. It is important to report cyberstalking to the Social Network provider, and be aware of this danger when choosing your privacy settings on the site.

Staying Safe

• Be aware who can access your information.  They might be people you do not want to give personal details out to.  To avoid problems you can either: put less personal information on your page (personal information includes things like name, photograph, telephone number, email address etc.) or set your privacy settings so only people who you want to be able to access your information can.
• Remember that people’s photos, addresses, and contact details are personal and you should respect their privacy!  If you get someone’s permission to use a photo, make sure that you don’t include any other info which could identify them offline e.g. their school name.
• Be cautious when adding ‘friends’ on social networking sites.  If you don’t know them, you might want to control what personal information they can see.
• When uploading photos to social networking sites, a permanent digital record is created, which means other people can access the images indefinitely.  Ensure you only upload content you would be happy with anyone being able to access.
• Download the CEOP report abuse application on Facebook.  That way if you end up in trouble, you can report it to the police.  Alternatively, visit www.ceop.gov.uk to report abuse.