Don't be too Social!

Social networking sites have been all the rage for a few years, but don't compromise the safety or privacy of your children by posting photos for the world to see.  Social Networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, and photo and video sharing sites like Bebo and Flickr offer a great way to keep family and friends informed of how your little ones are growing.

Make sure that you understand the privacy settings for each site you use so that you don't inadvertently share your pictures with the whole world.  If you have your privacy set to share your information with the groups or networks that you join, you may be sharing information with thousands of people you don't know.  Be careful not to upload photographs that might identify where you live or compromise the security of your home, perhaps by displaying the goods in your home,  giving clues to the layout of your house or even accidentally advertising when the house is empty by including your calendar in the background of your photos!

Also beware of people you 'meet' through social networking sites.  It is easy for people to masquerade and hide their true identity.  Exercise caution with information that you exchange with people you have never met in real life.

The fun of social networking makes it easy to overlook aspects of safety, this is doubly important when your children are involved!