Dallas Teen Summit session focuses on MySpace, Facebook

05:58 PM CDT on Saturday, March 29, 2008

By RACHEL SLADE / The Dallas Morning News

Dallas teenagers and parents crowded the Dallas City Council chambers Saturday to discuss the power of the Internet and how to use MySpace and Facebook in a positive way.

"The Power of MySpace and Facebook," the ninth program of Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway's Teen Summit series, was co-sponsored by the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Lakisha Thomas, a coordinator of the summit and a member of the alumnae association, said the sorority likes choosing trendy topics so adults can offer the teens "tidbits of wisdom."

Past topics have included sexually transmitted diseases, gang prevention and using the Internet to search for college opportunities.

Mr. Caraway said that he was glad to have the involvement of the sorority and that he hoped organizations and community members would continue to support the series.

"It tells me we're on point with our mission: to teach, educate and show them that bad things are not the right things," he said. "This is what makes a productive citizen."

Before delving into the intricacies of the Web, the group heard from Dr. Bertha Roddey, the 20th national president of the Delta Sigma Theta, who advised the teens to study history and use their talents and brains.

"If you don't know where you've been, you don't know where you are, and you sure don't know where you're going," Dr. Roddey said. "I want you to know that you can overcome any adversity if you use your mind."

Teens agreed that the Internet presents dangers, such as child predators, and should be used responsibly. Some said that students should obey the age restrictions on Web sites and that parents need to get involved.

"Kids should be monitored by parents because there are too many inappropriate things out there," said 17-year-old Shukura Goodson, a senior at Carter High School in Dallas.

Iris Johnson, a sorority member, Dallas resident and mother of two, said inappropriate material on the Web is a disservice and an embarrassment for parents.

"Be mindful of what you do on MySpace, what you do in the classrooms and what you do in the streets," Ms. Johnson said. "If you have inappropriate material on your pages, clean it up because it will affect you moving forward."

Mr. Caraway said he hopes to conduct the 10th teen summit with youths at the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center.

"They're not going to be there forever," Mr. Caraway said. "You can't just forget about them. We're going to teach them the significance of where they are today and where they'll be tomorrow, and what we expect of them when they get out."

link back to all news articles