Video of student fights going online

Raleigh, N.C. — Experts say video of teens fighting is becoming more common on social networking sites like YouTube and Myspace and is a reflection of how teens communicate.

A video recently posted on YouTube of what appears to be two local girls from West Johnston High School fighting and other students recording it. To the right of the video are more links of other teens fighting.

What once would be a matter for high school classmates is now posted on the Internet to anyone.

"Young people have lost this notion of public space versus private space," said Dr. Robert Schrag, a communications professor at North Carolina State University. "They spend their lives through screens."

Since more and more people now have a camera at their fingertips, lawmakers have struggled to deal with what's appropriate on social networking sites.

"We also worry about the future of teens who put these embarrassing videos and pictures for the whole world to see," said North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper.

Cooper has joined other states to make social sites safer from online predators, which partly means removing violent and offensive content.

"When you put it on a video, it encourages more people to do it," Cooper said.

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In my day there was a small hill behind the school. If you had a beef with somebody you would challenge them to "Meet me on the hill" You would meet there after school or during lunch and fight it out.Of course it gave one or more parties a chance to not show up. If you didn't show of course you were the looser by default. No weapons were allowed and the fight would stop as soon as the anyone said uncle. Times have changed

Tripwire
October 2, 2008 10:51 a.m.

This is crazy! Where are these kids parents?

jaxmom
October 2, 2008 10:42 a.m.

Well, we know where the jobs for teens have gone. :( Gingerleigh225

We sure do; to adults who have lost their jobs. The last 10 times I've been to the grocery store, I've seen at least 2-3 cashiers/baggers working who were as old as my parents, and Im almost 30.

Same thing at restaraunts. More and more positions that used to employ mostly teens and young adults are now being filled by adults who cant find other jobs. How can a teen compete with an adult with a child/family for the same job?

But responsibility has to fall on the parents as well.

corona29 is loving some Pliney
October 2, 2008 10:29 a.m.

Let's see... YouTube won't permit videos of artistic nudity, but posting clips of children fighting is perfectly OK. Here's another product of moral relativity.

ContinuityMan
October 2, 2008 9:22 a.m.

The media posting the videos on legitimate news websites like this one makes it easier for more people to view the videos, and encourages more kids to make them. Come on, WRAL, let's show some responsibility to the community. Take the video off your website.

ekt2040
October 2, 2008 9:10 a.m.