Millions of people use web-based social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Flickr, Wikipedia and Technorati every day.  These sites are particularly popular with teens and younger adults.  Lots of people use them to talk to, make plans and share photos and thoughts with people they already know.  Others use social networking sites to build professional and business relationships with people from across the country and the world. 

Unfortunately some people, especially teens, give out personal information without realizing they may be giving information to people that are not who they claim to be.  Just like in real life, inappropriate, bullying and dangerous behavior can take place on line, too. 

Teens and their parents need to be aware of both the usefulness and possible downfalls of social networking sites.  Parents’ awareness of what social networking sites are and how their teens are using them are important steps to ensuring teens’ online safety.  Teens should let their parents know about their online activities and social networking site pages and accounts.  Discussing social networking sites is a chance for teens to educate their parents about some of the latest, cutting edge technology and for parents to educate teens about appropriate and safe behavior both in the real world and online.