Social Website Issues

There is a growing concern surrounding several social websites such as Facebook.com, Xanga.com, Tagged.com and Myspace.com. These social sites are at issue worldwide as referenced on the front page of the March 9, 2006, USA Today newspaper. These sites allow users to post personal information, while communicating with "friends" on the same site. Many users access these sites for fun, with no ill will, and with good intentions. Others do not.

These sites are problematic and can pose threats to the safety of students. Lincoln-Way High School District 210 has blocked Facebook.com, Zanga.com, Tagged.com and Myspace.com from our network, but we cannot dictate what students access off campus. The District suggests parents visit these sites personally and have a conversation with their child about the potential dangers and consequences of using these sites.

Please caution your children about posting personal information, including photographs. Lincoln-Way High School District 210 does not actively search these sites for inappropriate comments or photographs depicting illegal activity; however, if brought to our attention, students may face disciplinary action if such comments or pictures are inappropriate or are in violation of the Student Handbook and Activities/Athletic Code of Conduct.

These sites are filled with risk. Posting false identities or attributing words or pictures to another person can have long-term consequences, cause harm, embarassment, and lost opportunities. Lincoln-Way High School District 210 encourages parents to express these concerns to your student. The safety of our students is a constant consideration for all of us at Lincoln-Way High School District 210.