A Guide to Understanding the Latest Web "Hangouts"

Have you ever heard of MySpace? Facebook? Friendster? These are examples of the growing trend in online social networking sites.... and today's youth LOVE them. They link up with friends, make new friends, and share pictures and information about themselves. Sounds harmless enough....

But these online sites are turning out to be fertile ground for con artists and sexual predators. They also provide useful (albeit unplanned) insights for schools and future employers.

The more you know, the more you can help yourself or your kids use these tools wisely. Learn the most dangerous things that people put up in all innocence and learn what steps to take to keep the fun FUN. Students: Make sure you know how your information is being used. Parents: Make sure YOU understand what your kids are doing, how they're spending hours of their day, and who they're inviting 'into your home' each night.

Our thanks to Karen Minero, the Associate Director of the UCLA Center for Women & Men, Officer Luis De Vivero, the UCLA Police Department, Kathy Sims, the Director of the UCLA Career Center, and Bank Chanturachirakorn, 4th year student and Orientation Counsellor, for their participation.

Stay a step ahead and learn about this latest craze. We guarantee --- your kids know about it!

Related Resources

  Protecting Your Identity While Job Hunting Online

  Identity Thieves' Newest Target: Children

  FTC: Resources on identity theft

  Is MySpace.com Really That Popular?

  A Parent Learns About MySpace

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