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.

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Meeting People On Myspace
Those who participate in MySpace can prov...
meeting-people-on-myspace.php

Sell Your Products On Myspace
Advertising on Your MySpace...
sell-your-products-on-myspace.php

Security And Privacy On Myspace
Read the Terms of Service Carefully...
security-and-privacy-on-myspace.php

Myspace Precautions
Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing...
myspace-precautions.php

Tips For Teens On Myspace
Parents Need to Stay Involved...
tips-for-teens-on-myspace.php

Getting Noticed On Myspace
Creating an Appealing Website...
getting-noticed-on-myspace.php

Where Can Myspace Take You
Friends from Around the World on MySpace...
where-can-myspace-take-you.php

Myspace Or Your Space
MySpace allows members to create websites where they can post personal information about t...
myspace-or-your-space.php

Making Connections Through Myspace
Keeping in Touch with Friends and Family...
making-connections-through-myspace.php

Sell Yourself On Myspace
Launch Your Career with MySpace...
sell-yourself-on-myspace.php

Getting Started On Myspace
Opening a MySpace Account...
getting-started-on-myspace.php

Keeping Personal Information Personal On Myspace
Avoiding Physical Harm...
keeping-personal-information-personal-on-myspace.php

The Pitfalls Of Advertising On Myspace
Violating the Terms of Service on MySpace...
the-pitfalls-of-advertising-on-myspace.php

Uploading Files To Myspace
Tips for Uploading Photos to MySpace...
uploading-files-to-myspace.php

Advertising On Myspace
Why Advertising on MySpace is Effective...
advertising-on-myspace.php

Maintaining A Professional Appearance On Myspace
Although MySpace offers all of these fun entertainment type activities, there are some members of...
maintaining-a-professional-appearance-on-myspace.php

The Myspace Phenomenon
A few years ago the term, “Google it” became synonymous for the practice of using a search engine to find more informa...
the-myspace-phenomenon.php

Finding Old Friends Through Myspace
Let Them Come to You...
finding-old-friends-through-myspace.php

Networking On Myspace
* Friends who want to talk Online * Single people who want to meet...
networking-on-myspace.php

Generating Traffic To Your Myspace Website
Create an Interesting MySpace Website...
generating-traffic-to-your-myspace-website.php

Myspace Design Features
Adding or Changing the Background...
myspace-design-features.php

Promoting Your Business On Myspace
Review the Terms of Service Carefully...
promoting-your-business-on-myspace.php

Advanced Uses For Myspace
Adding Background Music in MySpace...
advanced-uses-for-myspace.php

Rss
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rss.php

Myspace Just For Fun
Making Friends around the World...
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