Out-of-Line School Web Site Is Now Offline

Re “Teen Has No Regrets on Insult Web Site,” April 26: As a middle school counselor for 17 years, I was relieved to read that the schoolscandals.com Web site was shut down. At the same time, I was shocked and dismayed that its creator took no responsibility for the damage it caused. It became my job to deal with children (and their parents) in increasing numbers because of lies posted on that Web site. I work with 11- to 14-year-olds every day. They are more computer-literate than most adults. Some of them, given the opportunity (and the Web site provided that opportunity), could electronically communicate their negative, hurtful thoughts and feelings at the expense of innocent victims. It’s much safer to push a button on a computer than lie to somebody in person.

The Web site creator said he was “proud” that a child got therapy as a result of his creation. Shame on him. He needs the therapy along with all those who used the Web site to libel others, which I believe is against the law.

Alan Matis

Sherman Oaks

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As a high school mathematics tutor, I once had a student who was very upset and hurt regarding some “crude and malicious rumors” that another student had posted about her on the schoolscandals.com Web site (April 25). This student was embarrassed when she attended class, since apparently everyone knew about the rumor. The student printed a copy of the posted rumors and showed it to me. As I was reading it, I could not believe that there was a Web site that allowed high school students to express themselves in a malicious way.

Although we have freedom of speech, it does not give the right for this Web site to allow students to make negative commentaries about one another. I am glad that this Web site is now closed. I just hope that the psychological problems instilled by this Web site can somehow be remedied.

Araceli Gonzalez

Reseda

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I listened to this story unfold on KFI-AM (640). I applauded when the Web site was shut down. Now I read that Ken Tennen, Skyler’s father, claims that John and Ken from KFI “have no regard for the truth or for people’s personal lives” and that Skyler claims, “I got the child who needed therapy, therapy.” Obviously a chip off the old block. The two people most in need of therapy are the father and son. These are two arrogant and irresponsible individuals.

David Hiovich

Los Angeles