NY law provides that people who sell term papers to others are committing a crime. While the student himself might be discliplined and expelled for using a term paper written by someone else and proffering it as their own, this law is designed to reach the seller.
Recently I was asked if the law would apply to the sale of term papers online. It should. NY (and other states) have what is called a "long arm statute") that permits the state to reach beyod its borders, online and offline, to apply its laws when the person has reason to know that NY state laws might apply to them. While there is a long list of cases and academic writings on this, the short answer is that if the person knows they are dealing with NY residents, is advertising to NY residents or has some kind of contact in NY, the laws could apply.
Several other states have similar laws.
Sale of term papers - NY law:
Title I, Article 5, Section 213-b of the New York State Education Law provides in pertinent part that: "No person shall, for financial consideration, or the promise of financial consideration, prepare, offer to prepare, cause to be prepared, sell or offer for sale to any person any written material which the seller knows, is informed, or has reason to believe is intended for submission as a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report, or other written assignment by a student in a university, college, academy, school, or other educational institution to such institution or to a course, seminar, or degree program held by such institution."
Monday, October 09, 2006
selling term papers online...it's a crime!
NY law provides that people who sell term papers to others are committing a crime. While the student himself might be discliplined and expelled for using a term paper written by someone else and proffering it as their own, this law is designed to reach the seller.
Recently I was asked if the law would apply to the sale of term papers online. It should. NY (and other states) have what is called a "long arm statute") that permits the state to reach beyod its borders, online and offline, to apply its laws when the person has reason to know that NY state laws might apply to them. While there is a long list of cases and academic writings on this, the short answer is that if the person knows they are dealing with NY residents, is advertising to NY residents or has some kind of contact in NY, the laws could apply.
Several other states have similar laws.
Sale of term papers - NY law:
Title I, Article 5, Section 213-b of the New York State Education Law provides in pertinent part that: "No person shall, for financial consideration, or the promise of financial consideration, prepare, offer to prepare, cause to be prepared, sell or offer for sale to any person any written material which the seller knows, is informed, or has reason to believe is intended for submission as a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report, or other written assignment by a student in a university, college, academy, school, or other educational institution to such institution or to a course, seminar, or degree program held by such institution."
Recently I was asked if the law would apply to the sale of term papers online. It should. NY (and other states) have what is called a "long arm statute") that permits the state to reach beyod its borders, online and offline, to apply its laws when the person has reason to know that NY state laws might apply to them. While there is a long list of cases and academic writings on this, the short answer is that if the person knows they are dealing with NY residents, is advertising to NY residents or has some kind of contact in NY, the laws could apply.
Several other states have similar laws.
Sale of term papers - NY law:
Title I, Article 5, Section 213-b of the New York State Education Law provides in pertinent part that: "No person shall, for financial consideration, or the promise of financial consideration, prepare, offer to prepare, cause to be prepared, sell or offer for sale to any person any written material which the seller knows, is informed, or has reason to believe is intended for submission as a dissertation, thesis, term paper, essay, report, or other written assignment by a student in a university, college, academy, school, or other educational institution to such institution or to a course, seminar, or degree program held by such institution."
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Behind every picture there's pain....
child porn is more than a picture. it's a picture of a crime being committed.
we have to stop it. we have to stop talking. we have to do something.
post this image on your site, blog or profile. If enough people get angry, we can make some changes.
want to help?
visit wiredsafety.org.
I need more help. the problem is getting worse.
it's time.
Parry
The horrors of being a teen online....
I just received a report from a young teen who attends a school where I had done a cybersafety presentation last Spring. She forwarded a link to a child pornography website that had been sent to her, showing young chldren engaged in sexual activities with adults and sometimes other children. She asked me to have it taken down and find the people behind the site.
What do I tell this young teen? Things like this are not what anyone, especially a young teen, should have to see. And the molestation being portrayed is something no child should have to endure.
It's one thing for me to testify before Congress on child pornography in cyberspace. But these are more than just academic issues to be discussed before television cameras. I recently returned from a European Union cybersafety summit in Greece where I was the keyote speaker. I told the story about how I got into all of this. (I saw a picture of a 3-1/2 yr old being raped online. I responded by vomiting, crying and shutting down my law firm to fight against these kinds of things. Thousands joined me in the fight.) Many approached me telling me that it was a moving but depressing beginning to a summit.
A few hours later we learned that the first Greek bust of someone possessing and perhaps trafficking in child porn had just occurred. An infant was molested in a manner I cannot describe. I cried until I couldn't cry anymore and then stared at my computer screen for hours. Why is the problem getting worse? (It is.)
And why do our teens and preteens have to be exposed to adults asking them for their bra size or instructing them on how to engage in real or virtual sex with them?
Children are being hurt every single day. And our teens are subjected to e-mails with links to things we can't imagine in our worse nightmares.
and then I think about Congressmen who have dedicated their time in Congress purportedly to protect children from these kinds of pain. And find out that he has admitted to sending "inappropriate" communications to pages working on the Hill. And his counsel broadcasts that he was molested as a teen, has a problem with alcohol and isn't a pedophile. And that's supposed to excuse this somehow...
It's time that we say "enough!" Enough to excuses for doing things adults should't do to minors (whether or not technically legal under existing laws). Enough for people who think checking into rehab is the right response to doing things that everyone knows is wrong. Enough to people in positions of trust and authority for misusing both.
am I angry?
you bet!
and you should be too.
Parry
What do I tell this young teen? Things like this are not what anyone, especially a young teen, should have to see. And the molestation being portrayed is something no child should have to endure.
It's one thing for me to testify before Congress on child pornography in cyberspace. But these are more than just academic issues to be discussed before television cameras. I recently returned from a European Union cybersafety summit in Greece where I was the keyote speaker. I told the story about how I got into all of this. (I saw a picture of a 3-1/2 yr old being raped online. I responded by vomiting, crying and shutting down my law firm to fight against these kinds of things. Thousands joined me in the fight.) Many approached me telling me that it was a moving but depressing beginning to a summit.
A few hours later we learned that the first Greek bust of someone possessing and perhaps trafficking in child porn had just occurred. An infant was molested in a manner I cannot describe. I cried until I couldn't cry anymore and then stared at my computer screen for hours. Why is the problem getting worse? (It is.)
And why do our teens and preteens have to be exposed to adults asking them for their bra size or instructing them on how to engage in real or virtual sex with them?
Children are being hurt every single day. And our teens are subjected to e-mails with links to things we can't imagine in our worse nightmares.
and then I think about Congressmen who have dedicated their time in Congress purportedly to protect children from these kinds of pain. And find out that he has admitted to sending "inappropriate" communications to pages working on the Hill. And his counsel broadcasts that he was molested as a teen, has a problem with alcohol and isn't a pedophile. And that's supposed to excuse this somehow...
It's time that we say "enough!" Enough to excuses for doing things adults should't do to minors (whether or not technically legal under existing laws). Enough for people who think checking into rehab is the right response to doing things that everyone knows is wrong. Enough to people in positions of trust and authority for misusing both.
am I angry?
you bet!
and you should be too.
Parry
Experts cite need for online parenting (October 8, 2006)
all parents are clueless when their kids online lives are involved. I was too. I just cheat, because I work with teens who help me understand what other teens are doing online.
I cannot say this often enough...IT'S NOT ABOUT TECHNOLOGY - IT'S ABOUT COMMUNICATION AND OLD-FASHIONED RIGHT AND WRONG AND PARENTING. YOUR CHILD MAY KNOW MORE ABOUT TECHNOLOGY THAN YOU DO, BUT YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT LIFE. YOU SHOULD NOT BE YOUR CHILD'S FRIEND. THEY HAVE ENOUGH OF THOSE. YOU SHOULD BE THEIR PARENT. IT'S YOUR JOB TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND RIGHT AND WRONG AND YOU ARE THERE TO HELP STEER THEM.
This journalist started the interview with a question, apologizing about asking what non-techy parents should be doing to keep their kids safe online. I explained that no parent knows enough about this. I work with high-tech company execs and software designers who don't know how to do this. why? because kids use the technologies differently from the way we do as adults. So...remember to repeat after me "I am the parent." "Because I said so." "It's my house and when you live in my house you follow MY rules..." got it? sound familiar?
good. :-)Experts cite need for online parenting (October 8, 2006)
I cannot say this often enough...IT'S NOT ABOUT TECHNOLOGY - IT'S ABOUT COMMUNICATION AND OLD-FASHIONED RIGHT AND WRONG AND PARENTING. YOUR CHILD MAY KNOW MORE ABOUT TECHNOLOGY THAN YOU DO, BUT YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT LIFE. YOU SHOULD NOT BE YOUR CHILD'S FRIEND. THEY HAVE ENOUGH OF THOSE. YOU SHOULD BE THEIR PARENT. IT'S YOUR JOB TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND RIGHT AND WRONG AND YOU ARE THERE TO HELP STEER THEM.
This journalist started the interview with a question, apologizing about asking what non-techy parents should be doing to keep their kids safe online. I explained that no parent knows enough about this. I work with high-tech company execs and software designers who don't know how to do this. why? because kids use the technologies differently from the way we do as adults. So...remember to repeat after me "I am the parent." "Because I said so." "It's my house and when you live in my house you follow MY rules..." got it? sound familiar?
good. :-)Experts cite need for online parenting (October 8, 2006)
Saturday, October 07, 2006
KTLA The CW | Where Los Angeles Lives | Are Web Sex Predator Watchdogs the Good Guys or Grandstanders?
I haven't been shy about my disregard for the tactics of Perverted Justice. I want bad guys behind bars, not on TV. After the first show, four of those apprehended in the bust called me asking for representation. They had obviously found either my blogs or aftab.com and somehow missed the part about my now donating most of my time to protecting people, especially children, online. I politely declined. :-)
Happily for those of us who care about protecting children online, many cyberpredators are not very bright. They often use their real names and in some highly publicized cases, for top internet executives and homeland security types, send magazine articles about themselves, bragging about their fame, success or something else that ties back to whom they are in real life.
For the last eight years I have donated most of my time and money to my cause of making the Internet safer for everyoe while promoting its use. I take this very seriously. My thousands of volunteers are not paid consultants to TV networks. We have been doing this for 11 years, and do it for love, not money.
I will continue to criticize Perverted Justices work and tactics. Everytime they entrap someone, that predator walks. Those naive enough to plead guilty, instead of finding a qualified lawyer, might find themselves in jail. But anyone with two brain cells to rub together will call a lawyer and given the group's inexperience will probably find an easy out of jail. Embarassed, no doubt, but now better able to avoid the next sting.
my 2 centsKTLA The CW | Where Los Angeles Lives | Are Web Sex Predator Watchdogs the Good Guys or Grandstanders?
Happily for those of us who care about protecting children online, many cyberpredators are not very bright. They often use their real names and in some highly publicized cases, for top internet executives and homeland security types, send magazine articles about themselves, bragging about their fame, success or something else that ties back to whom they are in real life.
For the last eight years I have donated most of my time and money to my cause of making the Internet safer for everyoe while promoting its use. I take this very seriously. My thousands of volunteers are not paid consultants to TV networks. We have been doing this for 11 years, and do it for love, not money.
I will continue to criticize Perverted Justices work and tactics. Everytime they entrap someone, that predator walks. Those naive enough to plead guilty, instead of finding a qualified lawyer, might find themselves in jail. But anyone with two brain cells to rub together will call a lawyer and given the group's inexperience will probably find an easy out of jail. Embarassed, no doubt, but now better able to avoid the next sting.
my 2 centsKTLA The CW | Where Los Angeles Lives | Are Web Sex Predator Watchdogs the Good Guys or Grandstanders?
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Piczo Plays It Safe
a good article highlighting Piczo's safety practices and I appreciate the heads up about some of their privacy gaps. But one item eeds correction. They didn't retain me. Our safety tips appear as a public service of WiredSafety.org, the watchdog and safety charity I run. Piczo work with us to make sure their site is safer than some of the others. So, they have our tips, but becasue they deserve them, not becasue they hired me to write them :-)
Piczo Plays It Safe
Piczo Plays It Safe
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Mark Foley - is engaging in sexual discussions with a minor online a crime?
I have been called by legislators, law enforcement and media, all asking the same question - is what Mark Foley did in e-mails or IMs with former pages a crime? Can he be charged with a crime? Although I covered this last night for the ABC Nightly News team who broke this story, it will help others understand what is and what isn't covered by US laws. And, while boring, a review of the law might help us determine if we need more legislation or clarity. The bottomline answer is "It depends on whether there is proof of his intent to engage in more than just chatting about sex." And the jury is still out on that.
Before I lay it out, I need to explain some of the conditions/assumptions. In the US there are state (or local) and there are federal laws. In the case of child sexual exploitation, there are often both state and federal laws, sometimes conflicting and sometimes complementing each other. This response covers Federal laws and references NY laws, as well. (Although I have no reason to believe that NY laws would apply.)
I have seen some of the communications. I am not sure if all of those I reviewed have been made public or not. I suspect that more communications will be discovered as time goes on and more young men or witnesses may come forward. So, this is based on what I have seen to date.
The most important laws covering online communications with minors involving sexual activities is Title 18, Section 2422 (a) covers someone who is trying to get the minor to travel across state lines (and also covers Internet communications as federal commerce) and provides:
"(a) Whoever knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any Territory or Possession of the United States, to engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both."
Title 18, Section 2422 (b) covers someone who is trying to get a minor to engage in sexual activities which would constitute a crime, and provides:
"(b) Whoever, using the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce, or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years, to engage in prostitution or any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not less than 5 years and not more than 30 years."
The important provisions for this law to apply require that 1. the minor is under 18, 2. the adult "knowingly" is involved in this activity, 3. they have gotten the minor to, or are trying to get the minor to, "engage in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense."
As in all criminal laws within the United States (with a few exceptions not relevant here), intent (or "mens rea") is essential. The prosecution must prove that the person charged with the crime intended to engage in the criminal activity. In this case, the criminal activity would have been engaging in criminal sexual activity with a minor. But just talking about it, without proof of intent to act on it, may not be enough.
The law is very clear that not all sexual activity is covered. Only sexual activity "for which a persona can be charged with a criminal offense." Verbal or written communications, unless they arise to a special level (such as talking about bombs on a plane, or stating that you intend to kill the President, etc.) are generally not criminalized. Images are more likely to be criminalized than written or oral or digital "speech." This has to do with the First Amendment protections and the underpinning belief that words, in most cases, are not dangerous and the ability to speak them should be protected.
In addition, many people say things without intending to do them. The laws in the US are designed to make sure that innocent people are not put in jail. This differs from the premise in some other countries that no guilty person shall go free. Whether you agree or not, it's the basis of the US legal system and reflected throughout our constitution.
With that in mind, let's look at the communications purportedly between Foley and several pages. At least one claimed to be 17, turning 18 on February 23rd next year.
If it could be proven that Foley intended to engage in sexual activity for which a person could be charged with a criminal offense with that young man, he could go to jail. Even consentual sex with this young man, given their age difference, would have been potentially criminal if it occurred before the young man's birthday.
At what point did his activity become criminal? At what point merely fantasy? Was he prepared to act on his discussions or just have discussions? The answer to that is what will determine the legality or criminality of his actions.
A longstanding NY law covers "grooming" which is when adults engage minors in sexual communications designed to entice them into sexual activities. It works both online and offline. In the UK, "grooming" laws were implemented without the challenge of the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The NY law criminalizes the sending of "indecent" content to minors.
The law provides:
NY CLS Penal § 235.22 (2006)
§ 235.22. Disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree
A person is guilty of disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree when:
1. knowing the character and content of the communication which, in whole or in part, depicts actual or simulated nudity, sexual conduct or sado-masochistic abuse, and which is harmful to minors, he intentionally uses any computer communication system allowing the input, output, examination or transfer, of computer data or computer programs from one computer to another, to initiate or engage in such communication with a person who is a minor; and
2. by means of such communication he importunes, invites or induces a minor to engage in sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct or anal sexual conduct, or sexual contact with him, or to engage in a sexual performance, obscene sexual performance, or sexual conduct for his benefit.
Disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree is a class D felony.
In 2004 the NY courts in The State of NY v. Jeffrey Skya (2004 NY Slip Op 24442; 6 Misc. 3d 188; 789 N.Y.S.2d 403; 2004 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2158 decided October 29, 2004)
(looked at a challenege to this law, which was based on the fact that no images were used, only graphic discussions of sexual activity. Without an image, the defendant contended, the law could not apply. The judge disagreed.
He looked instead to the Oxford University Press dictionary which "defines "depict as 1). Represent by a drawing, painting or other art form; 2). Portray in words. The Thesaurus gives the following synonyms for depict: describe, draw, delineate. It is therefore clear to this Court that the "plain meaning" of depict includes words and is not limited to only visual images."
he then went on to explain that "the statute prohibits the communication which depicts actual or simulated sexual conduct. "Simulated" is defined by the Penal Law as follows: "the explicit depiction or description of any of the type of conduct described....which creates the appearance of such conduct." Penal Law Section 235.00(6).(emphasis supplied)."
In dismissing the defendant's challenge, the judge stated that "Clearly the legislature enacted this law to address the growing concern over pedophiles communicating with minors over the computer network regarding sex and luring the minor into a sexual relationship. "The legislative use of inherently imprecise language does not render a statute fatally vague so long as that language conveys sufficiently definite warning as to the proscribed conduct when measured by common understanding and practice." People v. Shack, 86 N.Y.2d 529, 538, 658 N.E.2d 706, 634 N.Y.S.2d 660 (1995). Penal Law Section 235.22 clearly puts an offender on notice of what conduct is prohibited, i.e., sexually oriented computer communication with a minor for the purpose of inducing or inviting that child to engage in sexual conduct with the adult."
The existing federal laws do not read "depiction" as broadly as the NY law does.
I was just informed that the NY law was recently successfully challenged, finding that words alone (without images) were insufficient to trigger the criminal law. I was told a case came down in July. I will look into this.
so, until then, the answer to whether Foley's actions are criminal, based on his discussions without more, is "not sure."
a lawyerly answer if I ever heard one. :-)
Before I lay it out, I need to explain some of the conditions/assumptions. In the US there are state (or local) and there are federal laws. In the case of child sexual exploitation, there are often both state and federal laws, sometimes conflicting and sometimes complementing each other. This response covers Federal laws and references NY laws, as well. (Although I have no reason to believe that NY laws would apply.)
I have seen some of the communications. I am not sure if all of those I reviewed have been made public or not. I suspect that more communications will be discovered as time goes on and more young men or witnesses may come forward. So, this is based on what I have seen to date.
The most important laws covering online communications with minors involving sexual activities is Title 18, Section 2422 (a) covers someone who is trying to get the minor to travel across state lines (and also covers Internet communications as federal commerce) and provides:
"(a) Whoever knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any Territory or Possession of the United States, to engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both."
Title 18, Section 2422 (b) covers someone who is trying to get a minor to engage in sexual activities which would constitute a crime, and provides:
"(b) Whoever, using the mail or any facility or means of interstate or foreign commerce, or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years, to engage in prostitution or any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not less than 5 years and not more than 30 years."
The important provisions for this law to apply require that 1. the minor is under 18, 2. the adult "knowingly" is involved in this activity, 3. they have gotten the minor to, or are trying to get the minor to, "engage in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense."
As in all criminal laws within the United States (with a few exceptions not relevant here), intent (or "mens rea") is essential. The prosecution must prove that the person charged with the crime intended to engage in the criminal activity. In this case, the criminal activity would have been engaging in criminal sexual activity with a minor. But just talking about it, without proof of intent to act on it, may not be enough.
The law is very clear that not all sexual activity is covered. Only sexual activity "for which a persona can be charged with a criminal offense." Verbal or written communications, unless they arise to a special level (such as talking about bombs on a plane, or stating that you intend to kill the President, etc.) are generally not criminalized. Images are more likely to be criminalized than written or oral or digital "speech." This has to do with the First Amendment protections and the underpinning belief that words, in most cases, are not dangerous and the ability to speak them should be protected.
In addition, many people say things without intending to do them. The laws in the US are designed to make sure that innocent people are not put in jail. This differs from the premise in some other countries that no guilty person shall go free. Whether you agree or not, it's the basis of the US legal system and reflected throughout our constitution.
With that in mind, let's look at the communications purportedly between Foley and several pages. At least one claimed to be 17, turning 18 on February 23rd next year.
If it could be proven that Foley intended to engage in sexual activity for which a person could be charged with a criminal offense with that young man, he could go to jail. Even consentual sex with this young man, given their age difference, would have been potentially criminal if it occurred before the young man's birthday.
At what point did his activity become criminal? At what point merely fantasy? Was he prepared to act on his discussions or just have discussions? The answer to that is what will determine the legality or criminality of his actions.
A longstanding NY law covers "grooming" which is when adults engage minors in sexual communications designed to entice them into sexual activities. It works both online and offline. In the UK, "grooming" laws were implemented without the challenge of the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The NY law criminalizes the sending of "indecent" content to minors.
The law provides:
NY CLS Penal § 235.22 (2006)
§ 235.22. Disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree
A person is guilty of disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree when:
1. knowing the character and content of the communication which, in whole or in part, depicts actual or simulated nudity, sexual conduct or sado-masochistic abuse, and which is harmful to minors, he intentionally uses any computer communication system allowing the input, output, examination or transfer, of computer data or computer programs from one computer to another, to initiate or engage in such communication with a person who is a minor; and
2. by means of such communication he importunes, invites or induces a minor to engage in sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct or anal sexual conduct, or sexual contact with him, or to engage in a sexual performance, obscene sexual performance, or sexual conduct for his benefit.
Disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree is a class D felony.
In 2004 the NY courts in The State of NY v. Jeffrey Skya (2004 NY Slip Op 24442; 6 Misc. 3d 188; 789 N.Y.S.2d 403; 2004 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2158 decided October 29, 2004)
(looked at a challenege to this law, which was based on the fact that no images were used, only graphic discussions of sexual activity. Without an image, the defendant contended, the law could not apply. The judge disagreed.
He looked instead to the Oxford University Press dictionary which "defines "depict as 1). Represent by a drawing, painting or other art form; 2). Portray in words. The Thesaurus gives the following synonyms for depict: describe, draw, delineate. It is therefore clear to this Court that the "plain meaning" of depict includes words and is not limited to only visual images."
he then went on to explain that "the statute prohibits the communication which depicts actual or simulated sexual conduct. "Simulated" is defined by the Penal Law as follows: "the explicit depiction or description of any of the type of conduct described....which creates the appearance of such conduct." Penal Law Section 235.00(6).(emphasis supplied)."
In dismissing the defendant's challenge, the judge stated that "Clearly the legislature enacted this law to address the growing concern over pedophiles communicating with minors over the computer network regarding sex and luring the minor into a sexual relationship. "The legislative use of inherently imprecise language does not render a statute fatally vague so long as that language conveys sufficiently definite warning as to the proscribed conduct when measured by common understanding and practice." People v. Shack, 86 N.Y.2d 529, 538, 658 N.E.2d 706, 634 N.Y.S.2d 660 (1995). Penal Law Section 235.22 clearly puts an offender on notice of what conduct is prohibited, i.e., sexually oriented computer communication with a minor for the purpose of inducing or inviting that child to engage in sexual conduct with the adult."
The existing federal laws do not read "depiction" as broadly as the NY law does.
I was just informed that the NY law was recently successfully challenged, finding that words alone (without images) were insufficient to trigger the criminal law. I was told a case came down in July. I will look into this.
so, until then, the answer to whether Foley's actions are criminal, based on his discussions without more, is "not sure."
a lawyerly answer if I ever heard one. :-)
Saturday, September 16, 2006
What we have learned about VampireFreaks.com
Over the years I have learned that with every tragedy usually comes something good. Perhaps it's to balance out the bad. Perhaps we are just looking for anything good, no matter how hard it may be to find it.
With the terrible tragedy in Montreal and the violent shooting, I didn't expect to see anything positive come out of it.
I was asked by the media to explain how a community network can help influence behavior. I was asked if violent video games can create violent real life behavior. I have been asked these questions before. And my answer really hasn't changed, with one exception.
I'll discuss that in a minute.
My constant answer is this:
Content doesn't make murderers. Violent games and violent content alone, IMHO, can't influence a stabile mind. Millions of people play them and access this content and never kill, hurt or attack others. Fragile minds, however, might be influenced by this kind of content. But you can't regulate or prohibit content because some troubled people can be influnced by it. It's not fair ot the millions of users who enjoy this content and can keep the virtual separate from reality.
Years ago, when most of the other voices of Internet safety were advocating turning off the technology and the Net entirely becasue of potential dangers, I used an example that got everyone's attention. I took out a sharp pencil and asked everyone what it was supposed to be used for. "What are its benefits?" I asked. Everyone responded "for drawing a picture." "for doing math." "for writing music." "for designing." "for jotting down notes." "for creating a love poem."
okay.
the I asked "what are the dangers?" after a couple minutes they responded "running with a sharp pencil is dangerous." "the lead can break off in your skin." "it can ruin something if pencil marks get on it."
no real surprises.
"Should we post warnings on pencils about the risks of falling on a sharp point, or having the lead cut into you or getting lead marks on your white sofa?"
in unison, they all shook their heads. "of course not! those risks are obvious. And if not obvious, something that all parents teach their kids to watch out for."
ahah!
I closed in for the kill. "What about kids who poke other kids in the eye with a sharp pencil? or even a dull one!"
they all stared at me, as though I had lost my mind.
"Should we blame the pencil manufacturers?" (comments about overly hot cups of coffee held in your lap and other non-sensical lawsuits ensued.)
"What if someone who owned a pencil also stole a car?" They were ready to have me committed to a mental institution. "Would you see a connection between owning pencils and stealing cars?" They began to move towards me slowly...speaking in hushed tones (one had a white fabric garment hidden behind his back...two others began to cut off my means of escape...
"My point exactly!"
(I have said this more often in connection with MySpace than with any other site.)
Lots of people have pencils, or a myspace or if you are a member of the goth community, post on vampirefreaks.com.
It's easy to see connections when there aren't any.
Pencils and stolen cars. Murders and being a goth.
Goths, I am learning, are a relatively peaceful bunch. They may dress, wear their hair and use body piercings in ways others don't, but that doesn't make them satanic worshipers or advocates of violence.
Now, here's the exception.
While content, IMHO, can't influence violent behavior, communities can.
Social networks are communities. They can be a community for college or high school students (facebook), one for everyone and their dog (myspace) or one for goths (or people who want to look like or sound like one or watch them, like vampirefreaks.com). Communities encourage behavior. When you go to church, for example, you learn to walk quiestly and to sit relatively still because others do and others would also react if you didn't. Kids are famous for wearing pruple with green if the cool kids think they are the cook new color combination. That's a community of cool kids influencing behavior.
A social networking community is a community. If the only way to look cool is to pose without your top, expect to see more topless poses on the site. And if a site permits, condones or the community encourages violent or threatening behavior, you will see more people acting out, because the community permits it.
I had judged VampireFreaks based on their failure to respond ot our complaints, when we worked with victims of cyberbullying and concerned users and in some cases parents. The the shootings occurred and I publicly voiced my frustration with VF administrators failing to respond to us.
Jet sent me an e-mail. I learned that there is more going on behind the scenes on moderating the site and encouraging safer behaviors. Jet has paid and unpaid site moderators, and rules about on site behaviors.
He has also educated me more about goths.
so, what role did VF play in influencing the shooter? The jury is still out...but I feel that it might be a pencil and car thing more than a myspace posing in your bra thing.
we'll see how it plays out.
Parry
With the terrible tragedy in Montreal and the violent shooting, I didn't expect to see anything positive come out of it.
I was asked by the media to explain how a community network can help influence behavior. I was asked if violent video games can create violent real life behavior. I have been asked these questions before. And my answer really hasn't changed, with one exception.
I'll discuss that in a minute.
My constant answer is this:
Content doesn't make murderers. Violent games and violent content alone, IMHO, can't influence a stabile mind. Millions of people play them and access this content and never kill, hurt or attack others. Fragile minds, however, might be influenced by this kind of content. But you can't regulate or prohibit content because some troubled people can be influnced by it. It's not fair ot the millions of users who enjoy this content and can keep the virtual separate from reality.
Years ago, when most of the other voices of Internet safety were advocating turning off the technology and the Net entirely becasue of potential dangers, I used an example that got everyone's attention. I took out a sharp pencil and asked everyone what it was supposed to be used for. "What are its benefits?" I asked. Everyone responded "for drawing a picture." "for doing math." "for writing music." "for designing." "for jotting down notes." "for creating a love poem."
okay.
the I asked "what are the dangers?" after a couple minutes they responded "running with a sharp pencil is dangerous." "the lead can break off in your skin." "it can ruin something if pencil marks get on it."
no real surprises.
"Should we post warnings on pencils about the risks of falling on a sharp point, or having the lead cut into you or getting lead marks on your white sofa?"
in unison, they all shook their heads. "of course not! those risks are obvious. And if not obvious, something that all parents teach their kids to watch out for."
ahah!
I closed in for the kill. "What about kids who poke other kids in the eye with a sharp pencil? or even a dull one!"
they all stared at me, as though I had lost my mind.
"Should we blame the pencil manufacturers?" (comments about overly hot cups of coffee held in your lap and other non-sensical lawsuits ensued.)
"What if someone who owned a pencil also stole a car?" They were ready to have me committed to a mental institution. "Would you see a connection between owning pencils and stealing cars?" They began to move towards me slowly...speaking in hushed tones (one had a white fabric garment hidden behind his back...two others began to cut off my means of escape...
"My point exactly!"
(I have said this more often in connection with MySpace than with any other site.)
Lots of people have pencils, or a myspace or if you are a member of the goth community, post on vampirefreaks.com.
It's easy to see connections when there aren't any.
Pencils and stolen cars. Murders and being a goth.
Goths, I am learning, are a relatively peaceful bunch. They may dress, wear their hair and use body piercings in ways others don't, but that doesn't make them satanic worshipers or advocates of violence.
Now, here's the exception.
While content, IMHO, can't influence violent behavior, communities can.
Social networks are communities. They can be a community for college or high school students (facebook), one for everyone and their dog (myspace) or one for goths (or people who want to look like or sound like one or watch them, like vampirefreaks.com). Communities encourage behavior. When you go to church, for example, you learn to walk quiestly and to sit relatively still because others do and others would also react if you didn't. Kids are famous for wearing pruple with green if the cool kids think they are the cook new color combination. That's a community of cool kids influencing behavior.
A social networking community is a community. If the only way to look cool is to pose without your top, expect to see more topless poses on the site. And if a site permits, condones or the community encourages violent or threatening behavior, you will see more people acting out, because the community permits it.
I had judged VampireFreaks based on their failure to respond ot our complaints, when we worked with victims of cyberbullying and concerned users and in some cases parents. The the shootings occurred and I publicly voiced my frustration with VF administrators failing to respond to us.
Jet sent me an e-mail. I learned that there is more going on behind the scenes on moderating the site and encouraging safer behaviors. Jet has paid and unpaid site moderators, and rules about on site behaviors.
He has also educated me more about goths.
so, what role did VF play in influencing the shooter? The jury is still out...but I feel that it might be a pencil and car thing more than a myspace posing in your bra thing.
we'll see how it plays out.
Parry
Friday, September 15, 2006
'Troubled kids gravitating' to vampire site
Goths are typically non-violent. They may have body piercings and purple hair, but generally don't hurt others. Sadly, Kimveer Gill didn't fit that mold. He opened fire on students at Montreal's Dawson College last week.
He was a frequent user of a website, VampireFreaks.com, that is very popular among goth teens and young adults. I have had issues with this site previously, and never received a response to our inquiries and reports to the site.
I hope that this will change now that the site's founder has reached out to us.
I don't like blaming a site for the actions of its users.
But this site has become more of a problem than it should be, given the number of users.
Hopefully we can work with them to help them create a more responsible site that is more responsive to safety and security concerns.
But, I am hopeful that they have taken the first step and reached out to WiredSafety and me to make sure that our complaints are received and handled. It's a start. 'Troubled kids gravitating' to vampire site
He was a frequent user of a website, VampireFreaks.com, that is very popular among goth teens and young adults. I have had issues with this site previously, and never received a response to our inquiries and reports to the site.
I hope that this will change now that the site's founder has reached out to us.
I don't like blaming a site for the actions of its users.
But this site has become more of a problem than it should be, given the number of users.
Hopefully we can work with them to help them create a more responsible site that is more responsive to safety and security concerns.
But, I am hopeful that they have taken the first step and reached out to WiredSafety and me to make sure that our complaints are received and handled. It's a start. 'Troubled kids gravitating' to vampire site
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Why parents must mind MySpace - Dateline NBC - MSNBC.com
Parry on Dateline talking about myspace.Why parents must mind MySpace - Dateline NBC - MSNBC.com
Facebook announces new open membership policy - Minnesota Daily
Kids tell me over and over that they think facebook is safer becasue the other users have to be a member of a school or invited by one who is. The one thing that makes facebook special is their "red-rope" appeal. The students in private schools and catholic schools feel more elite. And many are intrigued by Mark's start at Harvard. If they are really seeing to open the site to everyone with an authenticated e-mail address, I suspect they will lose more users than they will gain. Dads like the one in this article might sign up, but I doubt he will use it as often as Ryan would. I once again suggest that Mark listen to his users. They are his customers and if they are unhappy, can find a new place to "shop."Facebook announces new open membership policy - Minnesota Daily
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas | Business
tips for safer social network use...KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas | Business
KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas | Business
things to think about with kids and social networks.KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas | Business
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Online: Safe and Sounds - washingtonpost.com
"Free music and moves" cost lots more than you thought when you find yourself on the wrong side of a lawsuit. And that cute 14 yr old boy may not be cute, may not be 14 and may not be a boy...teaching kids to watch out for their safety and the safety of their friends is crucial. This short and sweet article is directed at the kids themselves...might be good to ahre it with your kids.Online: Safe and Sounds - washingtonpost.com
Wi-Fi gives kids access to unchaperoned Net | CNET News.com
Just when you thought you understood the risks...finally have your computer in a "central location" cities open up wifi connections allowing everyone (including your 12 yr old) access from their wifi devices - PSP, and others.Wi-Fi gives kids access to unchaperoned Net | CNET News.com
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
a little bird from Atlanta told me....
I was recently e-mailing with someone I met from Atlanta. She asked me what I have been doing recently...when I asked her why, she explained that she missed my blogging. Whoops.
Things have been crazy...lots of running around.
I'll be blogging for Yahoo soon, and adding video to this blog to make it more dynamic...
Recently I was at the White House rose garden for the signing of the Adam Walsh bill, enlarging the penalties for predators and creating a national sex offender registry. I spoke briefly with Elizabeth Smart and her dad and John Walsh...
Look for that footage shortly, along with footage of other events I have attended.
I have testified before Congress several times this Spring, all on Internet safety issues...
lots going on...
too busy to blog...
but expect to see more when I can take a breath.
stay safe...
Parry
Things have been crazy...lots of running around.
I'll be blogging for Yahoo soon, and adding video to this blog to make it more dynamic...
Recently I was at the White House rose garden for the signing of the Adam Walsh bill, enlarging the penalties for predators and creating a national sex offender registry. I spoke briefly with Elizabeth Smart and her dad and John Walsh...
Look for that footage shortly, along with footage of other events I have attended.
I have testified before Congress several times this Spring, all on Internet safety issues...
lots going on...
too busy to blog...
but expect to see more when I can take a breath.
stay safe...
Parry
Monday, April 17, 2006
Safe spots for kids to surf the Web / Child-friendly sites wipe out porn, predators
paying for a list of safer sites? in school, no problem. In home? why?Safe spots for kids to surf the Web / Child-friendly sites wipe out porn, predators
Online Safety, Updated | Connect for Kids
MySpace safety isn't a new move...Parry has been working with them since Spring 2005.Online Safety, Updated | Connect for Kids
A Sinister Web Entraps Victims of Cyberstalkers - New York Times
Cyberstalking is the hidden horror of the Internet...Parry quoted in NY Times article on cyberstalking.A Sinister Web Entraps Victims of Cyberstalkers - New York Times
Sunday, April 16, 2006
RedOrbit - Technology - Intruding on MySpace
with so much talk about the daners...too few are focusing on the valuable uses of social networks...this artilce does a great job looking beyond the knee-jerk reaction. RedOrbit - Technology - Intruding on MySpace
Waterford man used drugs, booze to get teens to pose nude, police say - 04/15/06 - The Detroit News
Old schemes have new twist online, as Parry talks about molester who uses ploys, drugs and alcholo to sexually exploit teens online.Waterford man used drugs, booze to get teens to pose nude, police say - 04/15/06 - The Detroit News
Friday, April 14, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
From MySpace to Safer Space?
announcement of Parry's first social network summit in June 2006.From MySpace to Safer Space?
InformationWeek | Child Protection | MySpace Lures Microsoft Exec To Become CSO | April 12, 2006
a little bit about myspace, changes there and kids online, including a reference ot Parry's testimony before Congress last week.InformationWeek | Child Protection | MySpace Lures Microsoft Exec To Become CSO | April 12, 2006
Westchester.com - Seminar For Parents On Internet Safety
If you're in Westchester Cty, NY, join us for a seminar on myspace, facebook and xanga...staying ahead of the risks.Westchester.com - Seminar For Parents On Internet Safety
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
MySpace.com Names Chief Security Officer - New York Times
New chief security officer for MySpace is announced. Parry thinks it is a good choice. She's know him for years...MySpace.com Names Chief Security Officer - New York Times
MySpace reaching out to parents | CNET News.com
doh't throw the Internet out with the myspace bathwater! Parry on myspace safety.MySpace reaching out to parents | CNET News.com
Saturday, April 08, 2006
ABC News: Teen Tells How He Was Lured Into Child Porn
Parry as expert on Good Morning America...warning parents to think before buying webcams and other interactive devices for their kids...and reminding kids ot thinkb4uClick. (in video of Justin Berry)ABC News: Teen Tells How He Was Lured Into Child Porn
Friday, April 07, 2006
Parry on the Early Show with Jullie Chen - video
the morning after the House hearings on sexual predators...Search CBSNews.com - CBS News
Social networking sites go wireless - Nightly News with Brian Williams - MSNBC.com
Brian Williams...Nightly News on MySpace and Facebook and wireless postings.Social networking sites go wireless - Nightly News with Brian Williams - MSNBC.com
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Walt Disney unveils Breakthrough Wireless Service | Televisionpoint.com News
Disney's new cell phone service for families...a walled garden and parental controls over miutes and who can contact their kids. Great!Walt Disney unveils Breakthrough Wireless Service | Televisionpoint.com News
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Celebrating the life of Nigel Williams
I have known Nigel for almost ten years. During that time, Nigel taught me so much about life, friendship and creativity. When you find yourself in a small group of real experts in an emerging field, you turn to each other for guidance, support and strength. Nigel will be sorely missed. The world is a little bit dimmer, sadder and children less safe than they were before his death. I will miss him.Celebrating the life of Nigel Williams
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Friday, March 17, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
TeenPeople.com - Stars - News - Nick Lachey Honors 20 Teens
Shannon Sullivan, one of our Teenangels, was honored by Teen People and Nick Lachey for her work on Internet safety.TeenPeople.com - Stars - News - Nick Lachey Honors 20 Teens
Thursday, March 09, 2006
KCBD - NewsChannel 11 / Lubbock, TX: Wired Safety Offers Blog Safety Education for Parents and Kids
A bit about wiredsafety and the programs we offer on myspace.com and other social networking sites.KCBD - NewsChannel 11 / Lubbock, TX: Wired Safety Offers Blog Safety Education for Parents and Kids
USATODAY.com - How to monitor the kids from online social perils?
Putting it all in perspective, social networking. what are the ramifications?USATODAY.com - How to monitor the kids from online social perils?
7Online.com: The Tech Guru: Technology News on 7online.com
some safety tips on myspace.com7Online.com: The Tech Guru: Technology News on 7online.com
Don't Talk to Invisible Strangers - New York Times
It is important that we are concerned about protecting our kids, but not panicked. Don't Talk to Invisible Strangers - New York Times
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Friday, February 10, 2006
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Monday, February 06, 2006
My podcast for parents on Internet safety...starting with myspace.com issues
Okay, I know you are frightened to death. Dateline runs a special with lots of men showing up in various stages of undress to meet young teens. Your cherubic 14 year old is swearing like a truckdriver (whoops, I mean a sailor. You can learn more about this reference at my new podcast by clicking here or by subscribing to my feed. Or your kid's friends are engaging in provocative behavior, posting inappropriate pictures an doing things that shock you on their profiles. How safe is MySpace.com? or the other sites? How worried should you be? This podcast is free and will be updated as often as I can update it...
this is not the time to panic. it's the time to get real...be there for your kids and start "the talk". You can learn more by visiting often or subscribing to the feed. This podcast introduces the issue of myspace.com and what parents need to do and more importantly, not do. So, here goes. Click here to hear the audio file. If you don't know how, ask your kids. :-)
be safe
Parry
this is not the time to panic. it's the time to get real...be there for your kids and start "the talk". You can learn more by visiting often or subscribing to the feed. This podcast introduces the issue of myspace.com and what parents need to do and more importantly, not do. So, here goes. Click here to hear the audio file. If you don't know how, ask your kids. :-)
be safe
Parry
for teens...MySpace.com safety tips...
If you click on safety tips on myspace.com's front page, you'll read our tips. Our teenangels (our teen Internet safety expert teams) are writing the teen tips for myspace.com too.
I am not here to be the bad guy, but to find ways you can use these new technologies and stay in touch with your friends safely. You can learn more about this from this podcast, just for you by clicking here.
Also, if you are interested in helping us create the safety guide for teens, we welcome your elp. drop me an e-mail at parry@wiredsafety.org.
bes safe
Parry
I am not here to be the bad guy, but to find ways you can use these new technologies and stay in touch with your friends safely. You can learn more about this from this podcast, just for you by clicking here.
Also, if you are interested in helping us create the safety guide for teens, we welcome your elp. drop me an e-mail at parry@wiredsafety.org.
bes safe
Parry
Removing your child's (or your own) MySpace.com profile
While we get the podcasting working so you can hear the audio files and subscribe to my feed and listen to it on your ipod or other MP3 player or itunes, I thought I would make it easy. So here is the text version of the instructions.
Myspace has two major ways you can remove an entire profile (the content and profile itself). One way is to access myspace.com feeback section and click on "I want to remove my profile"...by supplying your url. They will then send removal instructions to the original e-mail address used to set up the profile and registration. The problem is that the e-mail address might not be working, the password to access it might have been replaced or the e-mail may have been fake to begin with. Even if the e-mail is otherwise working, the instructions are often blocked as "Spam" by your ISP, and never get to you.
So, what's a parent (or myspace user) to do?
We have worked out a process with MySpace.com. (we hope to make it even easier going forward). This only requires that you have the password and login information for the profile, either because your children are cooperating with you or because you have their password.
There are two steps. You remove everything on their profile, all photos, comments, content and posts. Then e-mail customercare@myspace.com with the url of the page and a request to remove the profile. You can also type in the otherwise empty profile "please remove this profile". Then Myspace.com can remove the profile without the code or any further action on your part.
The trick here is getting your kids to cooperate. Many parents write me and tell me that their kids refuse ot give up their passwords or share their profiles with their parents. I suggest that parents remember who pays for Internet access...this is now a parenting issue, not a technology one. Check back for my audio podcast on this, my newest pet peeve...Parents who are afraid to parent.
good luck!
stay safe!
Parry
Myspace has two major ways you can remove an entire profile (the content and profile itself). One way is to access myspace.com feeback section and click on "I want to remove my profile"...by supplying your url. They will then send removal instructions to the original e-mail address used to set up the profile and registration. The problem is that the e-mail address might not be working, the password to access it might have been replaced or the e-mail may have been fake to begin with. Even if the e-mail is otherwise working, the instructions are often blocked as "Spam" by your ISP, and never get to you.
So, what's a parent (or myspace user) to do?
We have worked out a process with MySpace.com. (we hope to make it even easier going forward). This only requires that you have the password and login information for the profile, either because your children are cooperating with you or because you have their password.
There are two steps. You remove everything on their profile, all photos, comments, content and posts. Then e-mail customercare@myspace.com with the url of the page and a request to remove the profile. You can also type in the otherwise empty profile "please remove this profile". Then Myspace.com can remove the profile without the code or any further action on your part.
The trick here is getting your kids to cooperate. Many parents write me and tell me that their kids refuse ot give up their passwords or share their profiles with their parents. I suggest that parents remember who pays for Internet access...this is now a parenting issue, not a technology one. Check back for my audio podcast on this, my newest pet peeve...Parents who are afraid to parent.
good luck!
stay safe!
Parry
Sunday, February 05, 2006
The MySpace profile removal process...from their site instructions
MySpace.com has a removal process that requires you to send a request to remove the profile. A response is sent to the e-mail used to register the profile account initially. As long as that is a valid e-mail address and isn't blocked by SPAM filters, this process works easily. You can view this process herethrough this video file.
If this doesn't work, I have worked out an alternate process with MySpace. You can listen to the instructions for that here
be safe,
Parry
If this doesn't work, I have worked out an alternate process with MySpace. You can listen to the instructions for that here
be safe,
Parry
Podcasting on Myspace.com issues - overall tips for parents
I have begun podcasting...be patient, while I make this work :-)
So many parents have been concerned about their teens posting profiles on MySpace.com that we have tried to get them information they need the most. We'll address the FAQs and tips on this and other important Internet safety issues.
Probably the question I am asked the most by parents and teens is how to remove their profile. There is a process set up by MySpace.com that requires you to send a request to remove your profile from the site. Then a code is sent to the e-mail address used to register the profile initially giving the instructions for removal of the profile. But there are many problems with this process. Often the teen doesn't have access to that e-mail account any longer, or it was never a real one to begin with. Or the code is lost in the SPAM-blocking processes of the recipient's ISP and never makes it to them.
MySpace.com asks parents to work with their children to remove their own profiles. Together with MySpace, WiredSafety.org has worked out an alternative process for profile removal (assuming the teen has their password).
I explain that with the password and login, the teen can remove their content themselves. Removing the now empty profile requires a little help. A special address at MySpace.com handles this process. The MP3 explains that process.
The MP3 explains that process.
So many parents have been concerned about their teens posting profiles on MySpace.com that we have tried to get them information they need the most. We'll address the FAQs and tips on this and other important Internet safety issues.
Probably the question I am asked the most by parents and teens is how to remove their profile. There is a process set up by MySpace.com that requires you to send a request to remove your profile from the site. Then a code is sent to the e-mail address used to register the profile initially giving the instructions for removal of the profile. But there are many problems with this process. Often the teen doesn't have access to that e-mail account any longer, or it was never a real one to begin with. Or the code is lost in the SPAM-blocking processes of the recipient's ISP and never makes it to them.
MySpace.com asks parents to work with their children to remove their own profiles. Together with MySpace, WiredSafety.org has worked out an alternative process for profile removal (assuming the teen has their password).
I explain that with the password and login, the teen can remove their content themselves. Removing the now empty profile requires a little help. A special address at MySpace.com handles this process. The MP3 explains that process.
The MP3 explains that process.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Friday, February 03, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Friday, January 20, 2006
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Monday, January 09, 2006
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Monday, December 12, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Friday, December 02, 2005
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Friday, November 11, 2005
Why the 'Dateline' predators were not charged - The Abrams Report - MSNBC.com
this is why I oppose vigilante online gorups posing as kids to lure predators for media. I want these people in jail, not on TV.
sadly, they now will learn from this how to be more careful next time. :-(
Parry
sadly, they now will learn from this how to be more careful next time. :-(
Parry
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Newsday.com: Safe surfing online - Long Island cyberbullying summit
"be nice and have no enemies" good advice from Savannah (12 yrs)
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Web site raises alarms in P'town (September 22, 2005)
some thoughts about social-networking websites. Parents shouldn't panic!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Monday, September 19, 2005
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
House bill commending Parry and Teenangels.org
Recognizing the achievements and contributions of `Teenangels' and WiredSafety/WiredKids Executive Director Parry Aftab, in addressing the growing problem of cyberbullying in the United... (Introduced in House)
HRES 296 IH
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 296
Recognizing the achievements and contributions of `Teenangels' and WiredSafety/WiredKids Executive Director Parry Aftab, in addressing the growing problem of cyberbullying in the United States.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 24, 2005
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California (for herself and Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the achievements and contributions of `Teenangels' and WiredSafety/WiredKids Executive Director Parry Aftab, in addressing the growing problem of cyberbullying in the United States.
Whereas cyberbullying is defined as the transmission by one minor to another minor, through Web sites, instant messaging, camera phones, cell phones, Web blogs, or other electronic means, threats of physical harm, terrorist threats, comments meant to damage the reputation, embarrass, humiliate, insult, spread rumors, defame, or intimidate;
Whereas cyberbullying can cause psychological harm, negatively impact academic performance, safety, and the well-being of children in school, force children to change schools, and in some cases lead to murder or suicide;
Whereas given the anonymity of all electronic communications, children and adolescents' sometimes lack of impulse control and underdeveloped empathy skills, the potential for widespread public distribution, limited Internet responsible use education, and the inability to appreciate the harm caused by cyberbullying, such acts can be particularly dangerous and cruel to youths;
Whereas as WiredSafety.org and StopCyberbullying.org's studies have found that this problem affects all children from 9 years old to 14 years old, and often involves cyber-sexual harassment targeting students over 14 years of age; and their studies have shown that more than 85 percent of preteens have had their feelings hurt by someone else online, and a large percentage of preteens and teens have had their passwords or identities stolen, and an average of 60 percent of the middle school students polled admitted to being involved directly or indirectly in a cyberbullying incident (in some cases as high as 97 percent of students polled at certain schools admitted to being involved in a cyberbullying incident), and that more than 65 percent of teens polled have intentionally visited Web sites that made fun of their peers;
Whereas studies also show that parents, teachers, guidance counselors, students, and law enforcement agents are often ill-equipped to deal with cyberbullying or misunderstand it, thinking that it is merely offline bullying moved to cyberspace;
Whereas Parry Aftab is one of the world's leading experts on cybercrime, Internet privacy, cyber-abuse, cyberbullying, and children's internet safety and responsible surfing issues;
Whereas Parry Aftab is the Executive Director of WiredSafety, an organization that provides help, information and education to Internet and mobile device users of all ages which operates StopCyberbullying.org;
Whereas Parry Aftab is the Executive Director of WiredKids, a United States charity dedicated to protecting all Internet users, especially children, from cybercrime and abuse, and to helping everyone learn how to protect their privacy and security online and to teach responsible Internet use;
Whereas Parry Aftab and WiredKids founded and direct the `Teenangels' and their younger counterpart `Tweenangels', a diverse group of youths ages 9-18 from all walks of life, from various backgrounds, religions, races, both male and female, who go out into their local communities and schools and teach others about Internet safety;
Whereas Teenangels receive months of extensive training from Parry Aftab and other cyber-safety experts, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and conduct extensive research on issues affecting Internet safety and responsible technology use by children;
Whereas following training, Teenangels are equipped to do presentations at their school, and other schools about Internet safety issues;
Whereas every Teenangels Chapter develops a `Top Ten Internet Safety Tip List' for use in presentations on software protections, safe surfing engines, interactive gaming, cyberbullying, and other online and computer concerns and a `Kids Internet Bill of Rights' that provides, among other things, that young people have the right to use the Internet without harassment, cyberbullying or sexual exploitation, without having their personal information misused, or being redirected to pornography when surfing for their favorite kid sites;
Whereas Marvel Enterprises (the home of Marvel comics) has donated an exclusive license for Dr. Aftab and Wired Kids to use their popular super heroes, such as Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men and Fantastic Four, in educating parents, schools and children about safe and responsible technology use, including InternetSuperHeroes.org's good cybercitizenship programs and custom comic books featuring Teenangels and Marvel's Spider-Man and other super hero characters; and
Whereas there are over 290 Teenangels worldwide, including chapters in California, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, and Pakistan, promoting safe and responsible Internet use, and keeping themselves, their families, other youth, and their communities educated about Internet risks and the dangers of cyberbullying: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends Dr. Parry Aftab of WiredSafety/WiredKids and the `Teenangels' and `Tweenangels' for their vision, innovation, commitment, dedication, and efforts to educating students, parents, and the public on the dangers of cyberbullying, and on positive alternatives to cyberbullying;
(2) supports `Teenangels' education and presentation model, which teaches students, teachers, and the community to avoid and combat cyberbullying, and to engage in safe online activities; and
(3) encourages every school district and community in the United States of America to establish `Teenangels' Chapters to educate students about Internet safety and the dangers of cyberbullying and empower their youth to become good cybercitizens.
HRES 296 IH
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 296
Recognizing the achievements and contributions of `Teenangels' and WiredSafety/WiredKids Executive Director Parry Aftab, in addressing the growing problem of cyberbullying in the United States.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 24, 2005
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California (for herself and Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
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RESOLUTION
Recognizing the achievements and contributions of `Teenangels' and WiredSafety/WiredKids Executive Director Parry Aftab, in addressing the growing problem of cyberbullying in the United States.
Whereas cyberbullying is defined as the transmission by one minor to another minor, through Web sites, instant messaging, camera phones, cell phones, Web blogs, or other electronic means, threats of physical harm, terrorist threats, comments meant to damage the reputation, embarrass, humiliate, insult, spread rumors, defame, or intimidate;
Whereas cyberbullying can cause psychological harm, negatively impact academic performance, safety, and the well-being of children in school, force children to change schools, and in some cases lead to murder or suicide;
Whereas given the anonymity of all electronic communications, children and adolescents' sometimes lack of impulse control and underdeveloped empathy skills, the potential for widespread public distribution, limited Internet responsible use education, and the inability to appreciate the harm caused by cyberbullying, such acts can be particularly dangerous and cruel to youths;
Whereas as WiredSafety.org and StopCyberbullying.org's studies have found that this problem affects all children from 9 years old to 14 years old, and often involves cyber-sexual harassment targeting students over 14 years of age; and their studies have shown that more than 85 percent of preteens have had their feelings hurt by someone else online, and a large percentage of preteens and teens have had their passwords or identities stolen, and an average of 60 percent of the middle school students polled admitted to being involved directly or indirectly in a cyberbullying incident (in some cases as high as 97 percent of students polled at certain schools admitted to being involved in a cyberbullying incident), and that more than 65 percent of teens polled have intentionally visited Web sites that made fun of their peers;
Whereas studies also show that parents, teachers, guidance counselors, students, and law enforcement agents are often ill-equipped to deal with cyberbullying or misunderstand it, thinking that it is merely offline bullying moved to cyberspace;
Whereas Parry Aftab is one of the world's leading experts on cybercrime, Internet privacy, cyber-abuse, cyberbullying, and children's internet safety and responsible surfing issues;
Whereas Parry Aftab is the Executive Director of WiredSafety, an organization that provides help, information and education to Internet and mobile device users of all ages which operates StopCyberbullying.org;
Whereas Parry Aftab is the Executive Director of WiredKids, a United States charity dedicated to protecting all Internet users, especially children, from cybercrime and abuse, and to helping everyone learn how to protect their privacy and security online and to teach responsible Internet use;
Whereas Parry Aftab and WiredKids founded and direct the `Teenangels' and their younger counterpart `Tweenangels', a diverse group of youths ages 9-18 from all walks of life, from various backgrounds, religions, races, both male and female, who go out into their local communities and schools and teach others about Internet safety;
Whereas Teenangels receive months of extensive training from Parry Aftab and other cyber-safety experts, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and conduct extensive research on issues affecting Internet safety and responsible technology use by children;
Whereas following training, Teenangels are equipped to do presentations at their school, and other schools about Internet safety issues;
Whereas every Teenangels Chapter develops a `Top Ten Internet Safety Tip List' for use in presentations on software protections, safe surfing engines, interactive gaming, cyberbullying, and other online and computer concerns and a `Kids Internet Bill of Rights' that provides, among other things, that young people have the right to use the Internet without harassment, cyberbullying or sexual exploitation, without having their personal information misused, or being redirected to pornography when surfing for their favorite kid sites;
Whereas Marvel Enterprises (the home of Marvel comics) has donated an exclusive license for Dr. Aftab and Wired Kids to use their popular super heroes, such as Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men and Fantastic Four, in educating parents, schools and children about safe and responsible technology use, including InternetSuperHeroes.org's good cybercitizenship programs and custom comic books featuring Teenangels and Marvel's Spider-Man and other super hero characters; and
Whereas there are over 290 Teenangels worldwide, including chapters in California, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, and Pakistan, promoting safe and responsible Internet use, and keeping themselves, their families, other youth, and their communities educated about Internet risks and the dangers of cyberbullying: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends Dr. Parry Aftab of WiredSafety/WiredKids and the `Teenangels' and `Tweenangels' for their vision, innovation, commitment, dedication, and efforts to educating students, parents, and the public on the dangers of cyberbullying, and on positive alternatives to cyberbullying;
(2) supports `Teenangels' education and presentation model, which teaches students, teachers, and the community to avoid and combat cyberbullying, and to engage in safe online activities; and
(3) encourages every school district and community in the United States of America to establish `Teenangels' Chapters to educate students about Internet safety and the dangers of cyberbullying and empower their youth to become good cybercitizens.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Myspace.com and safety: FOX 12 OREGON Mother outraged over MySpace.com
information about wiredsafety's new class for parents on myspace.com
Monday, August 22, 2005
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Friday, August 19, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Monday, August 15, 2005
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Friday, August 05, 2005
Monday, August 01, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Westchester Cty Executive, Spano, addresses video game rating awareness with ESRB
Video ratings It's nice when two people and organizations you know join forces to do good things. Spano has been very active in helping keep his county's residents safer and better educated online. This is his latest venture into something that affects all families with preteens, gaming.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Friday, July 08, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
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