Social Networking: Online Journalism for Children

The perception of children in the modern world is the complete antithesis to that of previous generations. Apart from the current generation’s technological knowledge, they are far more independent, outspoken and savvy about their surroundings. Most of all, however, they wish to grow up at a phenomenal speed, unlike children of generations passed.

Living in a world so consumed by the lives of celebrities, today’s children are exposed to an array of bad role models. Whether their vice is drugs, alcohol or affairs, children soak all of this up, leading to such problems as underage drinking, smoking, or the premature sexualisation of young girls, simply to ‘be’ like celebrities.

The Internet certainly doesn’t remedy the situation, particularly regarding the new obsession of social networking.

According to Webmaster, the term ’social networking‘ can be defined as “a phenomena defined by linking people to each other in some way.” Although correct, this theory is quite vague. Social networking is an opportunity for like-minded people to communicate regarding common interests. In a way, even this blog is my way to communicate with kindreds. However, if stopped on the street, a regular person would define social networking as one of three words; “Bebo“, “Myspace” or “Facebook“.

At present, these social networks, but in particular Bebo, are at the centre of major controversy regarding the safety of their young users.

For young adults, social networking is their opportunity to make their mark on the world, to express themselves in whatever fashion they see fit. They have the ability to upload their favourite photographs, download their favourite songs, whilst commnicating with not just their friends but with the world. Although very exciting, it can also be equally dangerous and enough is not being done to protect tomorrow’s generation.

In February 2008, The Irish Times published an article, entitled “Most Parents Know Little About Bebo, Survey Finds.” While conducting a survey about Internet usage among the Irish, it discovered that seven out of ten teenagers are involved in a social networking site. In addition to this, many parents had a vague understanding as to what these sites were about.

This is not a very reassuring state of affairs. Parents are the primary protectors of children and when a Government survey reveals that parents are unsure of what goes on on these social networking sites that their children spend so much time on, it certainly doesn’t bode well for children’s safety.

This is not the only time that social networking sites have graced the newspapers.

Earlier this year, The Irish Times revealed that the number of teenagers that divulged personal details on sites such as Bebo and Myspace rose dramatically from ‘28% in 2006 to 79% in 2007.’

“Last year, 49 per cent of young Irish internet users disclosed their date of birth to others, while 12 per cent disclosed their mobile phone number and 8 per cent their home address,” the survey revealed.

In conclusion, it is vital that parents understand what their children are accessing on the Internet before disaster strikes.