No Myspace at School or at Home

Myspace...the popular venue for social networking is being banned in schools and at home. It is understandable why school administrators would block access to social networks at school, but the weird thing is why is Myspace being banned at home. No, it's not the parents who are banning this social network. It is the school! " Some private schools ban students from even HAVING an online profile, prohibiting the use of Myspace, Xanga, and LiveJournal -- even on their own computers at home," stated Bob Rankin, the editor of Internet Tourbus. This is in response to some of the activities that students have engaged with on social networks.

There was one case in which "a high school student was suspended for 10 days after posting a parody profile of his principal on Myspace." Several other cases have been recognized that include students harassing teachers, administratorsrs, or peers. Students feel that this restriction infringes their freedom of speech and expression, but private schools are being backed with legal support to limit this access. There are laws that stand that define libel, slander, and harassmentnt. Therefore, students (or anyone) who post degrading comments on social networks should not be surprised if school administrators come knocking at their door to notify them of suspension or expulsion.

As a wrap, if you use social networks, be aware of what you post.