I like the approach that you suggest—that it should be treated as detached work—but I'm not sure it goes far enough; and really it's the questions you pose which are lingering in my head, in particular on whether or not we should be there.

I can't really see a valid reason not to be there, after all, we go out onto the streets, into schools and playgrounds and even into the underage clubs. So why not online?

As you stated it can be used to advertise events and services etc and I know we use it for this purpose within my own workplace, but then it is not so much detached as outreach work. Semantics perhaps, but it does change the focus of why you are there in the first place—is it to provide information or learning opportunities?

One other point is that when detached workers go into young people's space they always have the opportunity to leave when inappropriate behaviour (anti-social or threatening) is being displayed. As you pointed out, online there is no real option to do this, unless you state that you can't be seen to condone it and then "de-friend" the young person.

I might leave it at that for now & later develop this into a blog post of my own as it's currently sending my head off into a number of directions. Such as the private messaging element, how is confidentiality affected in the online world, or even for what purpose do young people use these sites: is it really for socialisation or is it for something else?

Anyway, thanks for the thoughts!

You've got a point about addressing the issue offline. I think that face-to-face interaction is vital in order to prevent misunderstanding and allow for honest conversation.

I do however also think there's a need to address it online too. By simply ignoring the comment (as you would be seen to do), it gives acceptance or indifference to the bullying it implies. The writer and subsequent readers need to know that sort of comment is unacceptable.

For more info and draft policies on online conduct, check out Youth Work Online and in particular, this thread which has some great advice.

In the same way that on a face to face situation one explains confidentiality (and when it needs to be broken), acceptable behaviour etc then those same boundaries of role should be clear online.

Personally, I wouldn't discuss the issue online if at all possible but contact the young person and to speak to him/her directly (phone or face to face) and get the background.

It's a difficult one & I suppose it's the same issues you have in youth work generally and it is a professional judgement call.

I would like an update on this if at all possible and it's good that it has been raised.

In the same way that on a face to face situation one explains confidentiality (and when it needs to be broken), acceptable behaviour etc then those same boundaries of role should be clear online.

Personally, I wouldn't discuss the issue online if at all possible but contact the young person and to speak to him/her directly (phone or face to face) and get the background.

It's a difficult one & I suppose it's the same issues you have in youth work generally and it is a professional judgement call.

I would like an update on this if at all possible and it's good that it has been raised.