As many parents, teachers and other adults turned to the Media Council seeking advice about these social networking websites, we compiled a check list that can be helpful in deciding whether a certain community is appropriate for children and young people. The check list is distributed at the Media Council’s events and seminars and can also be downloaded from www.medieradet.se 

1. Who is behind the community?
Look for the contact information of the company that is behind the community. It should be visible on the community’s start page. See if you can reach the company by phone or if you get a response by e-mail.

2. Is there any information for parents on the start page?
Can you find out about the community’s target group, different features etc. without signing up?

3. What rules apply in the community?
When you sign up you normally have to accept certain terms of use. Read these carefully.

4. Where can you turn to report abuse?
How do you report abuse and violations such as cyberbullying or inappropriate pictures? Can you block users with which you don’t want any contact? Is there a report function or instructions on how to report abuse and violations?

5. How does the community handle your personal contact information?
What information do you have to provide when you register? How much of your personal contact information is visible on your profile page? Can you make your profile page accessible solely to people that you have added as friends? How is your personal contact information handled? Is your personal contact information sold or passed on to third parties?

6. Does the membership cost anything? What about any of the services or applications?
Find out how the website is financed. What type of advertisements does it have? In most cases, the membership is free of charge, whereas additional services or applications such as photo albums, profile decorations etc. cost. The charges can be paid through a text message or premium-rate numbers. Some communities have their own currency. Find out how the currency works.

7. Sign up to become a member of the community
You can get to know the community by signing up and creating your own profile. What is your impression of the atmosphere in the community? You will learn a lot that will be useful when talking to your child about the internet.

Melinda Martino, the Swedish Media Council