Dangers of Facebook

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A recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education highlights a lawsuit filed against Facebook by a Catholic School for wrongfully profiling a Dean. As a High School Administrator, I see daily the dangers of this site and the frustration felt toward those that abuse it. While the majority of people use this site for communication with friends, there are those students who use this site to harass and bully their peers. The effects on the victim often range from embarrassment to anger and physical retribution.

Aside from the personal effects, students need to be aware that what they post can be seen by others. Those "others" can, and have been college admissions counselors. There are cases where students posts have been so inappropriate and concerning, that acceptances have actually been revoked.

The Internet is, without a doubt, completely intertwined in our daily lives. As with all things, in life, they need to use prudence and caution. Students need to understand that anything they write, can and in dire cases, will be held against them. Facebook can be a great tool; it should, however, be used responsibly.

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