Risks for young users on social network sites and the legal framework : match or mismach? ; 23rd European Regional Conference of the International Telecommunication Society, Vienna, 2012

The availability and use of social networking sites creates both opportunities and risks for their young users. This paper evaluates the applicability of the current legal framework to (cyber)bullying and sexting, two types of behaviour that are increasingly occurring between peers in the social networking environment. The analysis includes a mapping of applicable provisions at the European and national level, an analysis of the Terms of Service of two social networking providers and an overview and assessment of self-regulatory initiatives that have been taken by the industry in this area. The ultimate goal is to identify a number of elements for a comprehensive strategy to ensure that risks of cyberbullying and sexting are dealt with in a manner that empowers young users. -- Social network sites ; protection of minors ; bullying ; sexting ; legislation ; self-regulation ; empowerment