Myspace Article
Keeping Kids Safe on MySpace
There are a lot of teens who are using MySpace. Individuals over the age of
14 are eligible to use MySpace so as a result there are many teenagers who are
members of the online MySpace community. These young members may appreciate the
opportunity to express their creativity, express their feelings, meet new
friends or stay in touch with their old friends but they should also be aware
that there is the potential for danger on any Internet community. Making kids
aware of this is helpful but there is also a certain degree of parental
involvement which is necessary to keep kids safe when they are online.
Enforcing Household Internet Rules
Kids who use MySpace, or the Internet in general, should be restricted to a few
household rules regarding Internet usage. Putting these rules in place can be
very helpful in reducing the potential for danger. Some of the general Internet
rules parents might consider are:
* Do not post full name and address online or even school location. This will
help to prevent stalking which could become a problem if online predators know
where your child lives or go to school.
* Restrict Internet usage to specific hours during the day. This can prevent
overuse of the Internet.
* Do not agree to meet online friends in person without consent. Ideally the
parents should also accompany their children on these meetings and should ensure
the meetings take place in a well lit, public location such as a coffee shop as
opposed to a secluded spot such as an individual’s home.
* Do not respond to threats or harassment. Kids should be taught to ignore this
type of behavior and report these instances to parents or the Internet service
provider instead of responding to the threats. Responding to threats or
harassing messages can exacerbate a potentially harmful situation.
* Internet usage should be restricted to high traffic locations in the house.
For example kids should only be allowed to use the Internet in computers which
are in locations such as the family room or kitchen as opposed to allowing kids
Internet access in their bedrooms.
Monitoring Online Interactions
Parents whose children have a MySpace account should monitor their child’s
online interactions on a regular basis to ensure these interactions are not
potentially harmful. Parents should be particularly concerned when children are
interacting with older individuals who engage in activities which are not
appropriate for the child’s age or when the children are interacting with those
who might be a negative influence on the child.
Parents should also be aware that those their child is interacting with may not
be honest about their identity. For example a parent may think it is harmless
for their 15 year old daughter to engage in flirtatious banter with a 16 year
old boy but there is the possibility that her online friend is really a much
older individual. Parents should monitor these activities for suspicious
behavior or suggestions of meeting in person.
Reviewing the Terms of Service
Finally, parents who want to keep their kid safe on MySpace should familiarize
themselves with the online community as well as the terms of service and privacy
policy. This will give the parents a better idea of the type of activities their
children are engaging in and being exposed to as well as the safety precautions
which are in place to help you protect your child.