"It's easier to say things when you don't see someone's face," Daniels said.

Facebook,
whose users go all the way down to the elementary school level, is very
commonly the cause of hurt feelings, inappropriately posted public
pictures, or cruel messages.

But, according to Daniels, text and
instant messaging are greater problems. In her workshop, she discussed
"sexting," as well. "Someone sends a nude photo to, say, her boyfriend,
thinking it's for his eyes only. Two weeks later, they break up, and he
sends it out to all of his friends," Daniels said, outlining the issues.

"The other thing is, once it's out there, you can't get it back," she said.

Daniels
also discussed parental strategies to monitor children online, to
protect them from (or prevent them from becoming) bullies. She has
simple strategies – keep the computer in a common area, keep cell phone
chargers out of bedrooms. In general, she advocates an active role for
parents.

"Ask them if they know their Facebook friends. Make
sure they have their account set on the most restrictive privacy
settings," she said.

Some parents are intimidated by the myriad
of social network technology, but Daniels urged, "You don't have to be
an expert to monitor your kids on the Internet." She encourages parents
to talk with their children about Internet use, and their expectations
about the appropriate use of technology.

"It's mostly about communication and monitoring, but parents shouldn't be afraid to stand over their kids' shoulders," she said.

She
encourages parents to set up their own Facebook account, become more
internet-savvy, and use all available resources to supervise their
child's use of technology.

"There are so many things you can
control," said Daniels. Cell phone providers can disable features, like
the ability to send pictures, or interrupt cell phone function during
school hours.

And if there's a serious concern, Daniels said,
keystroke-recording software is always an option. "People seem to feel
that their kids have the right to privacy, and I disagree," she said.
"You're their parents."

The Somerville Public Schools block
access to MySpace, Facebook, and other social networking sites on
District computers, according to Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi in on
online message.

"We all share responsibility for helping young people navigate the new boundaries in the virtual world," he wrote.

Daniels supports Pierantozzi's policies, calling him a "thoughtful administrator."

"I
believe it is something that we can get under control, if we all work
together," said Daniels. "It's really about establishing a culture of
students, faculty, parents, and administrators who are willing to meet
the challenge."