In an article, "Bill calls for MySpace age limit" on eSchool News Online, Robert Brumfield, reports:
Concerned about the increasing number of online predators reportedly contacting children through the use of popular social networking sites such as MySpace.com, a Pennsylvania congressman has proposed federal legislation that seeks to restrict the use of social networking technologies by children in schools and libraries. Critics of the bill say it would prohibit educators from exploring educational benefits of the technology, and they advocate instead for teaching students how to use these sites responsibly.
The legislation would force any school or library that receives government funding to block access to any web site that "allows users to create web pages or profiles that provide information about themselves and are available to other users, and offers a mechanism for communication with other users, such as a forum, chat room, eMail, or instant messenger." The bill, which contends these resources expose students to obscene and objectionable materials available on the sites of other users, also seeks to limit access to personal networking web sites to people who are 18 or older.
"[Such legislation] will take away our responsibility of teaching students the educational benefits of such technology and how it can be used in responsible and worthwhile ways," said Ann Davis, instructional technology specialist at the Georgia State University College of Education and a regular contributor to eSchool News Online's Ed-Tech Insider blog.
"The ability to make connections and share ideas and information is essential for learning," Davis continued. "We cannot afford to be isolated in our solitary classrooms. Actually, I believe it will make our children less safe, as we educators need to be educating them about the dangers online, rather than being forced to bury our heads in the sand and just pretending they don't exist. Banning the use of personal networking sites is a knee-jerk reaction to problems in our society."
(Emphasis Mine)
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