Library Learning 2.0 Thing 15 Social Networking

I know that social networking sites such as MYSpace and Facebook are used by just about every teen around. I have mixed emotions about these sites. I think it's a wonderful way to keep in touch with their friends and to make new friends with similar interests. It's also a great way for them to stay informed about things that go on in their community such as activities, etc. as well as news or changes in their day to day lives. However, the maturity level of a teen to be expressing themselves publicly could be a harmful thing because their are also not nice people using these programs as well waiting for an opportunity. They need to think about what any long term effects things they print may have in store for them. There needs to be a safety training of some sort for these kids prio to opening an account with one of these networking programs to make them care enough to be aware of who will see their thoughts on these sites now and in the future. I know if I were a teen I would not think twice or even care about who or what I wrote about because the maturity level to care would not be there. Therefore, we need to educate the kids prior to opening up a MYspace/networking account of all of the negative as well as the positive points. Maybe our education system should figure out how and when would be a good time to do train these kids.