Sources : Times News Network

Date of Publishing:27/7/2010

Location:Hyderabad

Heartthrobs George Clooney and Miley Cyrus feel social networking sites are dangerous for kids in more ways than one. Hyderabad Times gets you a real picture of virtual world

You’d have thought that since most celebs were so active on social networking sites themselves, that's the last platform they’d raise their voices against. Heartbreakers George Clooney, Miley Cyrus and Drew Barrymore proved us wrong. They are vocal about the need to keep kids away from social networking sites to prevent them from becoming victims of cyber crimes in virtual space.

Recently, a 13-year-old was kidnapped by a 48-year old man in California after he lured her on an online date, via a social networking site. Miley reacted to this: "I urge kids don't go on the Internet. It's not fun; it's dangerous," while Clooney shared her thoughts, "I'd rather have a prostate exam on live television by a guy with very cold hands…".

Easy accessibility of social networking sites and a growing need among the youth to stay connected are factors that determine the growing popularity of such sites. Model Jesse Randhawa thinks, "I feel kids don't need to use social networking sites at all. By allowing them free access to such sites, we are exposing them to things they needn’t know about until they reach a certain age. This in turn leaves indelible marks on his/her personality in the long run."

Sameera Reddy agrees, "If children need to use social networking sites it should be only under parental guidance." While social networking sites are "addictive", kids can seldom differentiate between the "right and the wrong" and might end up as victims of cyber crimes," feels actress Eesha Koppikar. Actress Kim Sharma says, "Kids can be easily duped, so they shouldn’t use social networking sites."

Cyber experts point out that parents are often unaware of their children’s online acts. Sonali Singh, mother of a 10-year-old says, "After my daughter received abusive messages from stalkers, she’s allowed limited access to the net." The need to be connected also stems from peer pressure. "My 11 year old son created an account under peer pressure, but I monitor it," says Faiz Khan. For the rest of you , don't wait for a virtual mishap to happen, act fast!

Web Resource for Times e Paper(For the above mentioned article): http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Key=TOIH/2010/07/27/17/Ar01700.xml&CollName=TOI_HYDERABAD_ARCHIVE_2009&DOCID=205313&Keyword=%28%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3ECyber%3Cand%3E%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3ECrime%29&skin=pastissues2&AppName=2&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T