By Parry Aftab

Using social network sites is so much fun, and everyone has at least one profile. Sometimes five or six. But no matter how much fun it is, if you aren't careful you could give away more information than you want to or should, leave the wrong impression about who you are and be targeted by cyberharassment, adults posing as teens and identity thieves. It's hard to have fun if you are worried about being safe or harassed.

This blog and my Teenangels (teenangels.org) expert volunteers are devoted to helping you enjoy your time online and not be bothered by jerks, posers, other teens or worse. But remember that, keeping you safe requires a team - you, your friends, your parents, the website and us.

If you ThinkB4UClick, you'll be much safer and run into fewer problems online, whether you are at Yahoo! or another site. This means taking a second before you post something. Have you set the right privacy features for your profile? How have you described yourself? Have you considered which photo to post? Remember that your public posts and photos may be the only thing another member may know about you.

Have you put your best foot forward ("BFF")? (You'll learn more about this as we develop our BFF tips with some of you, my Teenangels and other experts. Style-conscious teens wanted! We can use your help here.) Have you chosen one that is provocative or doing something you wouldn't want made really public? I warns teens that the best way to stay out of trouble at a social networking site is never to post something your "parents, principal or a predator couldn't see." Can your posts withstand the 3P test?

What about the other "P" - police? Many teens aren't thinking when they advertsie on their profile that they are hosting a party with unlimited beer, and also post that they are fifteen. It's amazing that they are surprised when the local police are parked at their front curb. And what about college recruiters, future employers, internship opps, or future boyfriends or girlfrieds? What you post online stays online, forever. Are you willing to live with what you post in these highly competitive situations? Think about it.

Let’s take a minute to talk to other teens about how you can have fun online and still be safe. We all know about the dangers online. Some sound lame, and you may be too hip to pay much attention. It's the "other kids" who are getting hurt. Not teens like you. Right? Wrong! The more you know about safety and privacy, the more time you'll have to enjoy yourself instead of having to fight off creeps!

Parents, and schools are worried about profile sites. We built a special section on WiredSafety.org to answer their questions and make them more comfortable with their teens having a profile at sites we trust. My volunteers at WiredSafety.org and my Teenangels will be helping me answer your questions and help you enjoy cyberspace without being harassed, hurt or worse. Got some time and want to join us? Great!!! Drop me an e-mail at Parry@wiredsafety.org or visit Teenangels.org. Got a question? E-mail us at AskParry@WiredSafety.org ."

It's your Internet. Help make it as fun and safe as you want it to be.