Cheerleader Sues Over Facebook Privacy Invasion

When it comes to Facebook, there's a simple rule of thumb that people seem to always forget: If you don't want someone to see a photo or read a comment, don't post it. Had this rule been applied more often, there'd be fewer lawsuits stemming from content posted on the social-networking giant.

According to Ars Technica, high school cheerleader Mandi Jackson has filed suit through her parents against the Pearl, Mississippi school district after she was allegedly forced to turn over her Facebook log-in information to her cheerleading coach on September 10, 2007. The lawsuit claims she was also subjected to cruel and unusual punishment after the coach disseminated "profanity-laced" messages to the rest of the staff, after Jackson had exchanged notes with a fellow cheerleader about politics within the squad.

Jackson is claiming that this discussion -- which she intended to keep private and was allegedly sent via personal message -- was then shared with other school officials and administrators, who "reprimanded, punished, and humiliated" her. She told the Student Press Law Center: "I would have been completely fine with the school officials looking at my public [profile on] Facebook, but I think they went too far with getting my password and looking at my personal messages between me and my peers."

Take heed, young and old alike, be careful what you post, and be even more careful about who might see it. Oh, and, as a rule, don't give your log-in information to anyone, even your coaches or teachers, lest you suffer this terrible fate.

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