Welcome to America's National Girl's  Did You  Know page.  We will be featuring articles written by Alyssa Sommerville, our 2008-09 America's National Girl.  Alyssa has adopted a personal platform of "Internet Awareness and Safety" after experiencing the lasting and possible harmful effects of MySpace posting.

We are very proud of Alyssa and her goal to educate and inform our youth as well as their parents on Internet safety.

You are welcome to email Alyssa for information or for appearance /speaking opportunities. alyssa@americasnationalgirl.com

**Newest articles apprear first. Take a look at our National Memories at the bottom of this page!
ALL IMAGES, PHOTOS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE, IS OWNED BY ROYAL PRODUCTIONS, USA /Miss Georgia Girl sm. , America's National Girl & Woman.  NO IMAGE, PICTURE, OR INFORMATION FROM WWW.AMERICASNATIONALGIRL.COM OR ANY LINKS MAY BE COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE OWNERS. No copying of any document including score sheet is permitted. Any individual associated with or a part of, can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

*No type of slander, bad sportsmanship or bashing will be tolerated from any parent, contestant or visitor..
All slanderous, damaging, false, detrimental actions; spoken, written, or physical by any parent, contestant, visitor regarding this system, any individual associated with or a part of, can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
As stated on all entry forms: Any negative or inappropriate behavior will result in contestant being disqualified and awards forfeited.
"Don't just wear the crown; use the crown to make a difference!"
Recently, while speaking at the Miss Georgia Girl State finals, I told you about my experience with my MySpace website.  Now I’m sending some safety rules for your parents to read. You may read them as well so you don’t argue when your parents follow them.



10 simple safety suggestions for parents:

1.) Set boundaries.
           -Allow your teen a set time limit to use the Internet each day.

2.) Set an example!
           -If you are on the Internet all day, it will be difficult to enforce a time limit with your teen. Plan social           outings outside of the house that you and your teen can do together.

3.) Ask simple questions, even if you already know the answers.
           -How do you make "friends" on MySpace? "How did you decided what info to post on your profile?"                  "What do you do if someone contacts you that you don't want to talk to?" The more you ask simple                  questions, the more they will know you are interested in something they value.

4.) Ask to see their profile.
           -Hint--Do not ask to see the profile that moment, or even that day. Ask to see it the next day so that                your teen can delete any material they know you disapprove of.

5.) Screen profiles for red flags.
          -Look for words that stand out like lonely, suicidal, or depressed.
          -Look for erotic photos.
          -Look for any clues in the pictures that might give away where your child lives or goes to school.

6.) Get involved!
           -Help your teen come up with other words that might describe them better in a more conservative                     and/or positive way.
           -Offer to take a picture with their pet or outside doing something they are interested in.

7.) Make weekly visits to their profile
           -Hint-make sure you inform your teen the day before you will be going to their website.

8.) Enforce consequences and be consistent.
           -If your teen cannot follow the rules (breaks time limit or posts inappropriate pictures or words),             enforce a consequence immediately. Explain to your teen what he or she did, what the             consequence is, and  enforce it that day (make sure you explain what the rules and                                     consequences are before you enforce them).

9.) Educate yourself on MySpace.
           -Read articles.

10.) Talk to your teens!
           -Discuss the importance of having friends and being able to communicate-on and off the Internet


ALWAYS REMEMBER, MYSPACE CAN BE A FRIEND BUT IT CAN QUICKLY TURN INTO AN ENEMY.  BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT INFORMATION YOU CHOOSE TO LET OTHERS SEE.


MySpace or if you like, Facebook, can be the greatest tool for teenagers and adults to communicate with each other.  As pageant participants, you can easily get in touch with other competitors to talk about recent pageants and share information, dreams and hopes. 

But, MySpace should be used carefully.  Make sure that you do not give too much information that can be used by others and never personal information; don’t post anything questionable and be wise and cautious as to whom you invite for friends.  Make a parent one of your friends so they can help you monitor your site.  No, it’s not an invasion of your privacy.  It’s meant to help you, protect you, and keep you safe from harm.

If you follow the simple rules have a great time networking.  If you don’t; it can lead to embarrassment, social disgrace and even death.  Don’t let that happen to you.

Sincerely,
Alyssa
Alyssa Leigh Ann Sommerville
2008 America’s National Girl
Hi All:

It’s Alyssa again.  Recently I told you about my personal encounters with my MySpace website.  So for those that don’t know about websites or networking, what is MySpace?  MySpace is a social networking website where people can communicate using messages, and uploads, social groups, and blogs.  MySpace is the 5th most popular website in the world.
Memories from our National Queens
MY SPACE SAFETY RULES FOR TEENS

MySpace makes it easy to express yourself, connect with friends and make new ones, but please remember that what you post publicly could embarrass you or expose you to danger. Here are some common sense guidelines that you should follow when using MySpace:

Don't forget that your profile and MySpace forums are public spaces. Don't post anything you wouldn't want the world to know (e.g., your phone number, address, IM screens name, or specific whereabouts). Avoid posting anything that would make it easy for a stranger to find you, such as where you hang out every day after school.

People aren't always who they say they are. Be careful about adding strangers to your friends list. It's fun to connect with new MySpace friends from all over the world, but avoid meeting people in person whom you do not fully know. If you must meet someone, do it in a public place and bring a friend or trusted adult.

Harassment, hate speech and inappropriate content should be reported. If you feel someone's behavior is inappropriate, react. Talk with a trusted adult, or report it to MySpace or the authorities.

Don't post anything that would embarrass you later. Think twice before posting a photo or info you wouldn't want your parents or boss to see!

Don't mislead people into thinking that you're older or younger. If you lie about your age, MySpace will delete your profile.

Hi All: I’m Alyssa Leigh Ann Sommerville, your 2008 America’s National Miss.  Last month I opened my heart to all of you and spoke about my trials with my MySpace website. 

While volunteering at this year’s opening Special Olympic games I found out that a series called “Beauty Queens Gone Wrong” was appearing on the “E” television program.  I recorded the program so that I could watch it later.  To my surprise, two pageant winners since 2006 have had issues with websites. 

Amy Palumbo, 2007 Miss New Jersey, and age 22 was blackmailed by someone who was using photos she had posted on the internet; demanding she give up her crown to the runner up.  The photos were sent to Amy and the Miss America Pageant officials.   The photos were pictures she had posted in a private section of an Internet photo sharing site so her friends and family could see them.  The sender was hoping that the photos would be revealed to the public and be considered controversial.  The photos contained no nudity or underage drinking but had been edited with fictitious captions.

Amy was allowed to continue.  Because of her scandal, Amy has chosen Internet safety (I-Safe) as her platform to raise awareness about victimization of children on the Internet. 

Another not so lucky Pageant winner was Katie Rees, 2006 Miss Nevada, age 22.  She lost her title and the ability to compete in the 2007 Miss USA pageant.  Why? First she used poor judgment and went partying while in college.  A friend took extremely racy pictures which included semi-nude and sexually explicit photos.  Katie did not remember the photos until they were posted on the Internet.  She does not know who posted the photos but it ruined her chances for competing for the Miss USA title.

Just like me, both young women never found out who posted the pictures or who sent the letters.  They were forced to defend themselves to their respective pageant committees. 

Always remember:
oDon’t cross the line
oDon’t violate the rules
oCheck your website

My situation gave me a springboard to speak, write, and mentor tweens, teens, and young adults about website safety.  But, I had to get to this platform the hard way.

Did you know in May 2008, there were at least 2 cases of nude photos on MySpace?

A 17 year old teen faced felony charges because he took two nude photos of his 16 year old girlfriend and posted them on his MySpace website.  What makes it worse is that although he could be charged with child pornography, sexual exploitation of a child and defamation he plans to keep them on his page.  Also in May, Best Buy’s Geek squad was accused of digging through customer’s hard drives brought in for repair and copying a woman’s personal nude photos from her computer.

The message here is that you shouldn’t be careless with your own info.  Teens on MySpace usually list personal info – school, age, city and other specific identifiers.  Wow, great information for pedophiles and identity thieves.

If you’re a parent the best way to make sure is to have your child invite you to be a friend.  This way you can identify and monitor your child’s virtual friends and keep them safe from harm,

My platform is Internet Safety with specific concerns about MySpace and Facebook websites.  I’ve included a recent cartoon with this month’s newsletter.  Why? 












If you look at the cartoon frames you will realize quite fast that it is not always you who is in control of what others put about you on a social networking website.  Do you want to be the person embarrassed by something you may have done? Don’t let that be you in the cartoon.

Always keep in mind that your profile and MySpace or Facebook forums are public spaces.  Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want everyone to learn.  In fact don’t do anything you don’t want the world to know.  Nothing travels faster than gossip or a juicy picture or the story of something you did.  Years ago the telephone used to be the best place to spread gossip.  But who wanted to make phone call after phone call to spread the gossip and it didn’t get too far before it died out.  The internet however, is open to millions.  Gossip and unwanted information can almost travel at the speed of light and reach multitudes of people in a short time. 

While we’re at it, be truthful when you enter information in your profile.  You may think it’s cute to say you’re 18 when you’re only 16.  Stop to rethink that.  Who does an 18 year old girl attract; not a 16 year old boy for sure.  Even though surveys show a majority of teenage MySpace users have entered at least some false information into MySpace there is a law out there called the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA).  You can be prosecuted.

Choose your words wisely when writing about others.  When people violate the terms of service (TOS) on a website with intent to hurt someone through harassment or slander they are engaging in criminal behavior.  You can be prosecuted.  

The World Wide Web is a wonderful place for learning and entertainment but like the world around us, it can pose dangers if precautions are not taken.  Know and be aware of the rules.  There are a lot of information websites to help you. Listed below are some of them:

Childnet International – www.childnet-int.org
GetNetWise – www.getnnetwise.org
I-Safe – www.i-safe.org

Until next time.  Safe surfing!!!

Alyssa

Facebook has gained in popularity over My Space due to the multitude of applications (fun things) and the ability to reach out further into your online universe for friends, relatives, schoolmates and even business associates.  While it strongly encourages no users under age13, stating it is a violation of policy, not everything is as it seems and people are not always who they say they are.  You should always be careful when sending friend requests to, or accepting friend requests from people you do not know in the real world.  And, it is always risky to meet anyone in person whom you don’t know through real world friends.

Recently I was on my Facebook page and received a friend request.

Kevin added you as a friend on Facebook.  We need to confirm that you know Kevin in order for you to be friends on Facebook.

To confirm this friend request, follow the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/n/?reqs.php&aref=1025004

Thanks,

The Facebook Team

Without thinking I confirmed this individual as a friend.  Oops!  I didn’t know this Kevin.  What was I thinking?  Now I had given him access to see my friends, relatives, photos and personal information.  I panicked for a minute and then remembered that you can easily block people on Facebook.  Go to your Settings and click on Privacy Setting in the drop down box.  You will find a box that says Block People.  Fill in the name of the person you want to block and click on the block icon.  Bye Bye Kevin!

“If you block someone, they will not be able to find you in a Facebook search, see your profile, or interact with you through Facebook channels (such as Wall posts, Poke, etc.). Any Facebook ties you currently have with a person you block will be broken (for example, friendship connections, Relationship Status, etc.). Note that blocking someone may not prevent all communications and interactions in third-party applications, and does not extend to elsewhere on the Internet.”

Now that Kevin’s gone let’s discuss Facebook Application Settings.  Did you know that when a friend of yours allows an application to access their information, that application may also access any information about you that your friend can already see?  When someone sends you a hug,, plant, poke, valentine, bead, candy and so on it’s an application. If you accept it or add the application your information is now accessible.

Go to your settings and click on application settings.  It will tell you the applications that you have used or been on in the past.  For each application click on the about column and it will show you exactly what the application is about; how many friends are on it, and most important if it was developed by Facebook.  When you authorize an application not developed by Facebook it can access any information associated with your account that requires it to work.  Think about the application.  If you choose not to have it on your account, click on remove. You can re-add it anytime in the future by removing the block.

Alyssa LeighAnn Sommerville

2008 America’s National Girl
The last time I wrote you I was speaking about Facebook internet safety.  I’d like to continue with that as Facebook is so popular right now.  Next year it will probably be something else but we’ll deal with Facebook right now.

All of you know the basic rules of Facebook or any internet networking site.  You’re supposed to be over 13; never share your password; be cautious about posting and sharing personal information – especially information that could be used to identify you or locate you offline such as your address/phone number and any photos that might identify where you live (bet you didn’t know that one).

Facebook security settings are easy to access, easy to use (just a checkbox) and easy to change.  Unfortunately, I’ve found out recently that removing yourself from certain applications doesn’t always work.  Applications are usually created by a marketer, advertiser or individuals wanting to get data about you. After all they have your age, gender, location and more (remember I said once you approve or register for an application that information became available). This is how Facebook makes money to provide you the free networking service that you enjoy. Every time you enter an application you can be (this came directly from Facebook’s advertising page) targeted by:

Target Your Audience By: Location              Age                                      Sex                      Keywords
                                                               Education                              Workplace            Languages                                                                           Relationship Status                 Relationship Interests

Once the application’s owner has your information they’re not always as responsive to accommodate your request for removal.  My best advice is to make sure you really want to be on/playing the application.  Think before you approve applications like Pet Pupz or any application that has games associated with it. 

ANSWERS TO SOME OTHER IMPORTANT FACEBOOK QUESTIONS
What do you do if someone writes something offensive on your Wall?
·         You can remove any offensive postings by clicking on the delete link that appears on each posting or you just remove the person as a friend from your Friends page.  Only your friends can post to your wall.

What do you do if someone posts a photo of you that you don’t like?  Facebook will only remove photos of you that are in violation of their Terms of Use and cannot make users remove photos that are not in violation.  There are some things you can do if you don’t want a photo of you on the site:
·         Remember you can only be tagged in photos by your friends so simply view the photo and click the “remove tag” link by your name.  It will no longer be linked with your profile.
·         If you’re having problems with the friend posting embarrassing photos you can remove them from your friend’s page.
o        Last resort – talk with the person who posted it.

What do you do if someone has identified you as being in a photo you’re not in (and this has happened to me).
·         Review the photo and click the “Remove Tag” link next to your name.  Now it’s no longer linked to your name but still will be in the sender’s photos.

If you are having problems with your Facebook page go to Settings\My Account and deactivate your account.  I had to do it with MySpace.  Your name is what goes with you into the future.  It’s easier to shutdown this type of networking function than to re-establish the credibility of your name.

Warm Regards

Alyssa Leigh Ann Sommerville
Americas National Girl