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ABC's 20/20 is running a segment tonight on the controversial and disturbing social networking website, JuicyCampus.

For more information on this website, click here.

Breaking News:

Megan Meier

The Associated Press is reporting that Lori Drew, has been indicted by a Los Angeles Federal Grand Jury, on one count of conspiracy and three counts of accessing protected computers without authorization to obtain information to inflict emotional distress.

Each counts carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Drew, 49,  was involved in a vicious cyberbullying "hoax" on MySpace several years ago, which targeted neighbor Megan Meier, who was 13.  Drew and two others, allegedly created a fictitious male suitor and began corresponding with Megan on MySpace until the relationship turned nasty.  Megan committed suicide just days before her 14th birthday.

Megans tragic story sparked international news coverage due in part, that an adult was involved in this "hoax".  No charges were filed against Drew or any other participants.

Arraignment will occur in Missouri, and will move to Los Angeles for trail.

Cyberbullying is a not a joke.  It is a problem that is growing rapidly, around the world.  Hopefully, due to this indictment, cyberbullying will not be tolerated.

Tina Meier, Megan's mom, life will never be the same.  Tina, a nationally known speaker,  has become an electronic and bullying advocate.  Her courage and determination speaks volumes. 

Tina was our keynote speaker at our Internet Safety event in April, sharing her powerful story with parents, educators and law enforcement!

(This website has many entries regarding this story.  Please see archives for further info).

Warning:  Disturbing photograph

According to a May 7th report from the World Net Daily, the FBI is investigating an online photograph of a young girl that may be in violation of federal child-pornography laws.

Originally from the 1976 Scorpions "Virgin Killer" record album cover, the disturbing photograph was later banned in the US due to its extremely controversial nature and was replaced with a more appropriate photo.

As of this morning, the photograph is still online.

According to WND, this is not the only instance of explicit images, videos or recordings on Wikipedia:

It took only seconds for me to find many explicit photographs, images, recordings and videos on Wikipedia. One video should have been in an x-rated movie, not in a website that is often used by children to work on homework or other various projects.

"Wikipedia's goal is to provide an encyclopedia that contains the sum of all human knowledge. To that end, Wikipedia does not censor objectionable material", Mark Pelligrini, Wikipedia Regional Representative told WND.

In another statement given to WND, Jay Walsh, the head of communications said, "We don't censor any of the content. There are a number of images that people might be alarmed by. … You could open up a classic Britannica or World Book Encyclopedia, and you'd find entries on sex and sexual topics, perhaps not as deep or prolific as you might find on Wikipedia, but that's kind of a reality of the 21st century."

Censorship?

As someone who personally uses Wikipedia, I was unaware these types of disturbing images were part of Wikipedia.   As an online safety advocate and someone who works with over 500 young children every week in a computer lab environment, this is very concerning.

Thanks Deborah!

Wikipedia's deletion policy

A recent study by Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, shows that 59% of children 5 to 7 years of age, access the Internet at home and that 21% of those children access the 'Net unsupervised!

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) has launched an online safety program, Hectors World.

I have personally used this program in my 8-week lessons for 2nd and 3rd graders.

In an announcement yesterday,  social networking giant Facebook said they will be adding over 40 safeguards to their popular website, in order to keep children safer online.

49 states and the District of Columbia have signed on.  Texas, again, is the lone dissenter. (Texas was the only state that did not get on board with the MySpace agreement earlier this year).

Included in the updates:

• Removal of groups with inappropriate content, including bullying, pedophilia, etc.

• Warning messages will be sent when child is providing personal info to adults

• Review of user profiles to ensure adults do not pretend to be children

• Tobacco and alcohol ads will not be shown to underage users

Hopefully, other social networking websites will follow MySpace and Facebook in keeping social networking websites safe and fun for children.

While researching for an upcoming article in a national newsletter, it became clear many adults may be unaware that cyberbullying can also occur on mobile phones.

Children do not need personal computers or laptops to cyberbully.  Please be aware that electronic devices including gaming devices, cell phones, etc, can be used to bully.

Cyberbullying, no matter what the means, can have serious consequences.  Please talk to your children about electronic bullying.