DeKALB | The new proliferation of social networking Web sites such as MySpace, LiveJournal and Facebook evokes many concerns of privacy and security. In regard to younger users and the effect making their information available may have, DeKalb’s schools are noticing a trend of conflict.

DeKalb High School principal Lindsey Hall said Web sites like MySpace, while not the most serious concern, have been cited as the cause for a handful of disciplinary actions at DHS over the past year.

Hall said the nature of MySpace posts that excite disciplinary action from schools are usually threatening in a specific way.

“There have been instances where we have felt it necessary to take disciplinary action because the students involved have specifically referenced the school,” she said.

Hall said taking action based on MySpace or blog posts is a conflicted topic for schools.

“There’s some gray area involved because it doesn’t happen on school computers, school property or school time,” Hall said.

She said while many complaints from students regarding MySpace posts don’t result in disciplinary action, they do take an excessive amount of time to sort out.

DHS freshman Ben Moser said MySpace is misrepresented due to all of the coverage of online predators and other similar concerns.

“I use it to talk to my friends I can’t talk to after school,” Moser said. “They don’t say any of the good stuff about MySpace.”

Some students said privacy and safety concerns can easily be avoided by changing what information they allow people other than their friends to see.

DHS assistant principal Valerie Bilek said one problem for students is having their personal information used without their permission, sometimes creating false profiles and posting incorrect information.

“Students are concerned because people are using their pictures, names and addresses,” Bilek said. “I’ve had students come in saying ‘I’m being labeled as a gang member.’ “

Bilek said due to the worldwide nature of Web sites like MySpace, regulating student behavior online is difficult. Besides banning the Web site from school computers, other measures are in place in case any concerns arise.

“If there are any threats made to any student or faculty member, we would start an investigation,” Bilek said.

Hall said many students might not consider the lasting effects of something like MySpace.

“My gravest concern about MySpace is that I don’t think high school students realize the long-term effect of information posted,” Hall said. “I’ve seen ridiculously stupid things posted on MySpace.”