You've probably already taught your kids to look both ways before crossing the street. But have you taught them the risks of sharing too much information through social media?
While creating online identities through MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and other online social sites may be fun, it can also mean the difference between getting accepted to college or being hired for a job.
Social sites are a treasure trove of personal information that virtually anyone can view - including friends, enemies, admissions officers and future employers. A 2008 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 27 percent of the respondents screened job candidates, including those applying for internships, through social networks. And, according to the report, a third of the time they decided not to make an offer because of something they found in the applicant's social media profile.
Even kids looking for babysitting jobs can be affected. After interviewing prospects to babysit her 2-year-old, one mom decided to check an applicant's MySpace profile. She was so upset by the profanity she found she crossed the girl's name off her list, shares Heather Pemberton Levy on her parenting blog at mommytruths.com.
Moms aren't the only ones checking social media profiles. It's not unusual for colleges and trade schools to check social-networking sites to learn more about applicants for admission.
So, what can a parent do to help guide their child?
MySpace suggests keeping the computer in a common room of the home, and checking what your kids are doing online. Encourage your kids to:
- Make the page private so it won't be visible to everyone. Also protect Twitter updates.
- Don't say negative things about parents, teachers, friends or employers.
- Only post photos you could display in your home.
What does all this mean for your child? In a challenging market where employers can be selective as to who comes in the door, your kids should learn to use discretion in what they post to avoid hurting their college and job prospects later on.