January, 2007
Dear Parents,
Are your children on the internet? Over 77 million kids are now online.
The subject of internet “blogs” has received increasing attention in the press, here at the Archdiocese and at schools throughout the country. You might ask, what exactly is a blog? “Blog” is short for web log. It is an on-line journal or diary. Teenagers can create blogs for free on such sites as MySpace.com, Xanga.com, LiveJournal.com and FaceBook.com. Students tend to use the same service used by friends. Blogs usually include profiles, pictures and personal entries of the person keeping the blog. Blogs are generally social in nature and are another “place” for teenagers to hang out with friends.
What seems quite benign at first glance can become a problem when a teenager:
- Gives out personal information and/or pictures;
- Makes inappropriate comments;
- Falsely attributes words or pictures to another person;
- Posts inappropriate material;
- Describes in words or pictures behavior which is illegal such as underage drinking.
The dangers include how this information can easily be obtained by strangers and used for unintended purposes, even to make contact with children. There is clearly a safety issue here. Blogs have also been used in ways which promote poor decision making about such things as drugs and alcohol as well as in ways which are bullying or threatening other young people.
We are concerned for our students’ safety and well-being. We suggest that you check these websites for information that may be written by or about your child.. This is the surest way to protect your son/daughter from poor decision-making, stalkers and the bullying that can happen so easily in cyberspace. Two very helpful websites with additional information about blogging and internet safety are www.blogsafety.com and www.isafe.org.
Thank you for allowing us to be your partners in the formation of our children and students. Together we will help them be more aware of the benefits and dangers of the internet and blogging.
Sincerely,
Jan Slattery, Office for the Protection of Children and Youth
Children Matter Network Members