Teach Your Children to Use MySpace Safely

Today's parents can't be too cautious when it comes to the internet.

Online predators abound and children and teenagers often have access to the internet without supervision at all hours of the day. Even if your child doesn't get to use a computer at home, chances are good that the school provides internet access in a computer lab or library.

MySpace is the most popular teen scene on the internet, but is it safe?

What should parents do when they discover their teen using MySpace?

First, MySpace itself is not a bad website. It offers kids the opportunities to connect with friends and share their thoughts. They can post photos, share their favorite music, and leave messages for their friends. There are some great ways to use MySpace safely, but you will need to educate your child on how to navigate the World Wide Web appropriately.



For instance, most kids aren't aware that anyone can find their profile by searching on MySpace.

How To Change MySpace Profile Settings

Unless the profile is purposely set to private, anyone can find it and browse what you are posting. Show your child how to change the settings of a profile so that only people that request to be "Friends" can view it. This is a simple step that can offer great protection and peace of mind for your family.

It's also important to explain to your child that the internet is not always as it seems. Just because someone says they are a fifteen year old girl from New York doesn't mean that it is the truth. In fact, a sex predator in Washington might be disguising himself to learn about a child's interest. The predator can build an entire fake persona to earn your child's trust. It's vital that kids know that people can and do lie online.

Along those same lines, explain to your child that it's never okay to give away information on where you live or go to school. You should never give out your phone number or show a picture to strangers.

Most importantly, teach your child that they are never to arrange to meet a person they have "met" online. 

Don't forbid your child from using MySpace. When used correctly, it can be a safe and fun way for your child to spend time online. Just make sure you set some ground rules and check in on your child's profile frequently. Monitor what kinds of pictures are being posted and what comments are left on the page.

While some teenagers might find this offensive and intrusive, just explain that your child can easily earn your trust by following the online rules. You can check less frequently as you see that your child can handle the responsibility of an online profile.

Most importantly, be informed! 

Don't try to monitor MySpace if you don't know how it works. Create your own profile. Learn how to work the features. You might be surprised to find some of your own friends and former classmates with profiles online.

MySpace is a great way to reconnect and catch up with people from around the world. As long as you use it safely, it is a fun experience for kids and adults alike.