Social-Networking Web Sites Pose Growing Challenge for Educators

With social-networking Web sites such as MySpace.com, Xanga.com, and Facebook.com enjoying explosive popularity among students nationwide, educators and parent groups are taking steps to minimize the dangers of the Internet sensation.

The popular commercial Web sites offer a free, easy way to create personal Web pages and fill them with content: text diaries or “blogs,” digital snapshots, favorite songs, and short video clips. Social networks are formed as members link their Web pages to those of their friends and search through the vast sites to find new friends who share common interests.

Beyond the sites’ social aspects, students and some educators say they offer young people a valuable showcase for writing and...