Social networking services, such as
Bebo,
Facebook,
Google Buzz and
MySpace, enable internet users to create their own content and share it with an online network of friends. In some cases (eg
FarmVille, a popular Facebook application), users are playing virtual games on their social networking sites.
With new services and tools being launched all the time, social networking has become an extension of many teenagers' offline worlds and a vital social currency. In fact, four in five 12-15s who use the internet at home now have a social networking site profile, according to
Ofcom.
Did you know?
According to a survey for UK National Family Week 2010, Facebook has become one of the biggest influences on the lives of girls in particular (Source: BBC News, May 2010)
Most UK school networks block access to many social networking services, partly because schools and LEAs are worried about inappropriate content and partly because it might be viewed as an inappropriate use of school time.
Despite this - and despite the fact that the minimum age for many reputable social networking websites is 13 or 14 - it's very likely that some of your students are taking part in social networking at home and on their mobiles.
In fact, social networking is seen by many as a useful educational tool. It helps young people to develop important ICT and social skills, be active citizens and create and share content among other things.
It therefore makes sense for you and your colleagues to know what it's about and to understand how you can help your students to manage their online social networks safely and responsibly.
Teachers TV ‘Online Social Networks: Friend or Foe?’ (KS1, 2, 3 & 4)
This 30 minute programme looks at websites like Bebo, Facebook and MySpace and explores the issues they raise for teachers.
Where can I find out more?
- Fortunately, social networking, internet and mobile providers, government, charities and law enforcement agencies are already taking action to help protect young people who have social networking profiles. You can find their Good Practice Guidance on Social Networking here.
- For more information about young people and social networking, go to Childnet's Digizen website.
- Visit the Click Clever, Click Safe website.
- If you're new to social networking, we recommend you take a look at the Technology Today before reading the following section. That way, you'll get some insight into what social networking is before we go through some of the safety and privacy issues and explain how you can help your pupils to protect themselves.
- Take a look at Facebook's Safety Center, which includes a section on 'Safety for Educators'
- Click here for our tips on privacy and personal safety.