Today’s kids are media producers as well as consumers. They upload photos of friends, along with videos. And some are broadcasting live on the Internet. That last can be a real problem.

You may associate broadcasting with television networks. But broadcasting live online is easy. All kids need is a Webcam. Then, they jump on any number of video-chatting sites. With the click of a button, they’re live.

Popular sites include Justin.tv, BlogStar, Stickam and YouCam. Anyone can watch and chat with the broadcaster.

There are legitimate uses for these sites. Some people produce informative and interesting shows. For example, you’ll find people playing music. Others may discuss woodworking. You can even find celebrities chatting with fans.

But the most popular areas are invariably voyeur hangouts. And the behavior there isn’t always civilized.

It’s easy to find girls broadcasting from their bedrooms. And popular chat rooms have names like “Show n’ Tell” and “CuteGirlzOnly.” It’s pretty obvious what kind of people are watching. Believe me, some are creeps.

Sites usually require users to be 13 or 14. But that’s easily bypassed. And that requirement doesn’t really make sense. Kids that young aren’t mature enough.