More on why youth workers need to understand Myspace

Returning to a recent subject of this blog, and one which exerts increasing influence over youth:

"... [MySpace] now ranks 13th among all sites, according to Nielsen/NetRatings. ComScore Media Metrix places it fourth by total page views, two notches above Google. ...

"But success also draws a spotlight on MySpace's darker side.

"In Middletown, Conn., police suspect as many as seven teenage girls recently were fondled or had consensual sex with men they met on MySpace who turned out to be older than they claimed.

"In schools across the country, students have been suspended for threatening classmates on MySpace and, in a case outside Pittsburgh attracting the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union, for creating a phony profile under the principal's name and photo.

"Parry Aftab, who runs the Internet safety group WiredSafety, said most MySpace teens behave, but a good number are creating online alter egos with which they brag about nonexistent drinking and sexual conquests in a bid to appear cool.

"And as parents discover their kids' profiles, Aftab said, they start to worry and tell other parents, who in turn spread the alarm. Parents, in some cases, try to ban their children from MySpace or the Internet completely." Article.

For thoughts on an appropriate adult response, go here and here.