Think Before You Post

What might seem clear to most isn’t always obvious to the causal observer. If you post information about yourself, it’s public and will remain so forever. It’s a concept kids don’t understand, nor do they get how non-friends can use the information to make their lives miserable.

There’s a new program hoping to spread the word called “Think Before You Post”. The collaboration between the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Ad Council was announced last week.

                        

The new PSA Campaign is geared towards teenage girls who frequent popular website like MySpace, Facebook and Sconex. “Sixty-one percent of 13-17 year olds have a personal profile on a social networking site and half have also posted pictures of themselves.” 

“The popularity, easy accessibility and social acceptance of the Internet, particularly social networking sites, among teenagers can put them in a dangerous situation,” said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “It’s our hope that this campaign will educate teenage girls and their parents about the potential dangers of offering personal information on the Internet.”.

I have viewed all the ads which are available at http://www.adcouncil.org/default.aspx?id=56.  My favorite for parents is called “Places” but it still doesn’t have the impact as the ones for the kids like “Everyone” or “Bulletin Board”.  If you have teenagers, watch these videos together and ask them what they think.

Tags: myspace, facebook, teens, sconex