While they do point out some very good points, the actual story is in fact an urban legend:
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Origins: Though the preceding tale is related on a number of web sites as a true story, it's not. Written by two Christians concerned about the danger unwittingly presented by young people giving out too much personal information online, this cautionary tale first surfaced on the Internet in January 1998.
The authors very clearly stated the Shannon story was not true, but that part of the e-mail was seemingly lost in the first volley of forwards. Perhaps people were so enthralled with story itself they forgot to include the rest of the information given by the authors, which included their reasons for writing the parable and an 8-point list of good suggestions kids would do well to adhere to in the world of cyberspace:
Never tell anyone your full name, address, phone number, city or any other personal information about yourself or your family.
Watch what you put on your profile. Don't put your date of birth, especially the year. Remember you are not required to put any information on the profile you don't want to.
If anyone IM's you or e-mails you and asks where you go to school, where you live or any other personal questions you don't feel comfortable with, do not hesitate to say, "I'm sorry, I don't give out personal information" or "My parents have asked me not to tell that."
If someone sends you a e-mail form with personal information about themselves on it and suggests you fill one out just like it, be alerted and don't do it. Who knows to where and to whom it will be forwarded!
If you go into chat rooms and anyone pressures you to talk to them, won't leave you alone or asks for personal information, leave the room immediately!
If you ever get suggestive, angry or abusive messages tell your parents at once and contact the Internet provider you use and seek assistance.
Don't respond to e-mail from people you don't know. If you believe you've received something strange, tell your parents.
Never agree to meet anyone face-to-face that you have talked with online.
For more information about the authors and the history of this piece of netlore, visit their Teen Focus page.
Barbara "child find" Mikkelson
Last updated: 21 September 1998
http://www.snopes.com/horrors/parental/shannon.htm