Social Networks: Facebook Pics of Underage Drinkers Sent to Police

Everybody is talking in the Boston, Massachusetts suburb of Melrose about almost 70 underage high school teens that were caught on camera playing a popular drinking game called beer pong. The photographs were first posted on Facebook and show the students, some of which are sports team captains, at a summer house party with alcohol and marijuana. The police later received the pictures from an anonymous sender.

Melrose High School officials met with each student and their parents individually, but say that no additional disciplinary action will be taken because pictures on the Internet can be altered. Two homeowners were identified, however, and will receive a warning letter for violating the city’s social host ordinance which went into effect in July 2008. Under this ordinance, homeowners or renters are penalized even if they were not aware of the underage drinking at their home. If caught breaking the rules again within 12 months, the adults will face fines of $150-$300.  Massachusetts also has a social host law which holds parents civilly or criminally liable and can result in jail time and a $2,000 fine.

Aside from the serious underage drinking and drugging issue that should (obviously) be addressed here, this story also confirms that photographs posted online or shared with friends can shine a negative light on a teen's online reputation and end up causing significant consequences for them down the road. This marks just one of many reasons why parents should be vigilant when it comes to monitoring their child’s social network account(s). A parent-teen conversation about the importance of making smart choices in life is always a good idea too.

For useful tips and information on managing problematic media posts on social networks, check out Facebook and MySpace Pictures- Guide for Parents.

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