In today’s Quick Hits, we talk about Google+ privacy settings, share a case of cyberbullying, and ponder the role that Facebook plays in divorce.

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Google+ Updates Privacy Settings

Google’s new social networking project, Google+, is still in beta mode, but it’s growing fast. And along with the site’s growth have come expectations for simple privacy controls. Yesterday, in response to user concerns, Google implemented more comprehensive privacy controls for all Google+ users. The controls, which are still somewhat difficult to use, allow users to conceal their profile so that only their name and picture are visible. This article from ComputerWorld discusses how to use the new privacy controls.

12-Year-Old Given Probation for Facebook Bullying

In a case that shows the consequences of cyberbullying for both bullies and victims, a 12-year-old Washington girl has been given probation for cyberstalking, following an incident in which she accessed a classmate’s Facebook account and posted sexually explicit images and language to the victim’s page. According to MSNBC, the bully “not only posted explicit photos, but sent out solicitations for sex,” and, despite the victim’s attempts to delete the inappropriate content, it has “been copied and reposted elsewhere and everywhere.”

How Facebook Contributes to Divorce

This article from research scientist Sheril Kirshenbaum discusses the ways in which Facebook and similar social networking technology has contributed to extra-marital affairs and divorce among the baby boomer generation. Describing how the sudden reappearance of a lost love via Facebook can trigger the release of certain brain chemicals, Kirshenbaum writes, “But now the ghosts of romance past are alive and well online, popping up on chat services and sending greetings on Facebook. In the 21st century, old friends are virtually at our fingertips, and a seemingly harmless email sent to someone with the innocent intention of ‘catching up’ can quickly go further.”

1 in 10 UK Pets Has Facebook

A true sign of the times, 1 in 10 household pets in the UK has a Facebook profile according to new research. The data, commissioned by (no joke) a pet insurance company, reveals not only the Brits’ fondness for animals, but also an extremely high level of awareness and comfort with social networking technology. If we’ve reached the point where we’re creating social networking profiles for our pets, we can surely say that social media is here to stay.

Child Identity Theft a Growing Trend

Child identity theft is on the rise, which is a major concern for regulators who hope to protect kids from long-lasting reputation and privacy damage. According to veteran consumer advocate and Reuters reporter Mitch Lipka, “a study found children’s identities are stolen at more than 50 times the rate of adults.” Because children don’t have credit, it is easy for thieves to rack up fraudulent activity without fear of it being discovered in a routine credit report. In order to help prevent child ID theft, parents should take proactive steps to limit where their child’s information appears online and also strictly limit who they provide it to you in personal transactions.