April 12, 2006
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In an attempt to raise awareness about Internet safety, the information that
follows is meant to inform you of the potential dangers your child may be facing
if they are not using the Internet and specifically myspace.com appropriately.
Myspace.com is one of the most popular websites with more than 60 million members
in their virtual community. Members simply need to sign up and create a profile
where they can describe themselves and interests, post photos, and maintain
an on-line journal. This information is available for any of the 60 million
members to access. Members are supposed to be 18 and over, however there is
no way to prevent users from lying about their age. Many HFMS students in grades
5-8 have profiles.
What is alarming and potentially dangerous is not only the amount of information
students share, but equally important, the content of what they are sharing.
Students are giving out personal information, including their full name, address,
phone numbers, and address for literally millions of people to see. Some students
post a variety of inappropriate pictures of themselves and others. They openly
discuss their sexual history and preferences, alcohol, drug, and tobacco usage,
and potential violent acts towards others. Some profiles are decorated with
soft porn, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, gang references, and other disturbing
pictures. Overall, students are sharing seemingly personal information in a
very public forum. Even if students have their profile “restricted”
(limited access to supposedly only those they give permission to), they are
still not out of danger. Through their conversations with other non-restricted
users, viewers can surmise much of the same information mentioned above about
situations they are referring to.
I urge you to go to www.myspace.com and “browse” for people within
five miles of the 10922 or 10928 zip code. It may take a while, but after a
few clicks on pictures you recognize you will most likely come across someone
you know, your child or one of his/her friends. By simply clicking on the faces
in the “friends” section, you will have access to numerous profiles.
Please ask your child if they have an account and ask to see it; it is your
right as a parent.
On the back of this letter there is a list of Internet Safety Tips for Parents.
I welcome the opportunity to further discuss any concerns you have about Internet
safety or myspace.com. Please feel free to call me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Trisha Hannigan
School Counselor
Parent Tips
web site with helpful information on Internet Safety
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © HFFMCSD 2005