by District Attorney Scott Storey
comments open from May 3 until May 22

A new social network application called “Friends Around Me” comes with features that are very attractive to kids. The application is designed for the iPhone and iPad. It combines the function of Facebook and Twitter and allows those using the site to pinpoint the precise physical location of others using the site.

While the iPhone and iPad have GPS features that can be very valuable as a mapping tools, District Attorney Investigator Mike Harris warns, “The GPS feature is a huge security risk for young people. Often children and teens in chat rooms or in social networking sites don’t really know the person they are talking to, now that stranger will know their exact location.”

“We strongly recommend that parents develop and open line of communication with their teens,” says Investigator Harris. “Talk to them about where they go and what they do online. Who are they communicating with on their cell phones? Regarding this particular application, we recommend that users decline the use of the tracking software on the application. They can still enjoy the social interaction without a stranger knowing exactly where they are.”

Read the full press release for more information from the District Attorney Scott Storey. You will also find links there to a Fox31News interview (video) about this application and several links to safety information from the Child Sex Offender Internet Investigations Unit website.