Ning (http://www.ning.com)

Nothing – not even MySpace or Facebook – matches Ning for its simultaneous simplicity and creative potential for social network fans. Rather than creating a page in a community like MySpace, users are in effect creating their very own MySpace knockoff and inviting others to join. A Ning site can be cobbled together using templates in just a few minutes, or users can spend hours tweaking features, colors, and even the underlying code.

Regardless, the fun and sense of pride and ownership that comes from creating and running one's own social community complete with posts, photos, and blogs can be priceless, perhaps even a window into a future career for youngsters. Creators can choose to let anyone join their social network or make it invitation only, an important consideration for minors and their parents.