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Originally Posted by SLAG
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This brings up another huge thing I've been seeing a lot lately. When it comes to the internet, kids are smart, but have absolutely no common sense whatsoever. They are absolutely oblivious to the risk of typing private thoughts or putting their picture on the internet, even if its just e-mailing or sending a phone pic to someone who they thought was a good friend.
I often have to think a couple times before agreeing to type in my phone number on a standard purchase, and thats with a respected corporation. There is no way in HELL I would e-mail pictures of myself in a compromising pose to ANYONE, because once its on the net, you've completely lost ownership and control over it, and its only a couple careless forwards away from being e-mailed everywhere and/or plastered on someone's web page.
With kids though, its like they think they have some kind of protection or anonymity that doesnt exist. They have no concept of danger on the web. (and I'm not talking about physical danger, just pure horrifying shame) Since we didnt grow up with it, we stepped into the internet cautiously with some suspicion, accepting only what we wanted to use. These kids that are born into having the internet, its like they have this instinctive trust that this technology will never turn on them in any way.
Bottom line: if your a parent, you need them to KNOW that they should never type or e-mail any words or pictures that they wouldnt be completely fine with having everybody in town and at school read and see. Once your embarassing picture or careless remarks are out there, you could be haunted by it for a damned long time.