Over recent months or years there has been an explosion in popularity of social networking websites.
Social network sites allow users to join an online community. These can contain millions of members. Users post personal information, messages and even photograph albums with photos of themselves and their friends. There is no way of knowing whether any of the information is correct or whether a user is really who they say they are. Users can link profiles together as friends - maybe someone you know, or someone you have never met before.
Some social networking sites have special features where users can easily link to everyone in their school who is subscribed to the site. Others allow you to ‘rate’ people or post comments on their photograph.
Whilst these sites give pupils a unique way to connect with each other and socialise and present genuine opportunities for self-expression and friendship building, when a joke or comment about a pupil or a teacher escalates into bullying, inappropriate behaviour, or even an unlawful threat, it is understandable that schools have to get involved.
It’s easy to see why these sites have an irresistible – even addictive – appeal, and why many of us are safely and responsibly engaged in such communities. Equally, it’s not difficult to understand how easily these sites lend themselves to abuse.
If you choose to use a social networking site, online blog or personal website, please consider carefully the information you display about yourself and the people you invite to access your information. 
