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.
Word count 569
Terms of Use for this Private Label Article
Possibly Related PLR Articles:
Canon XLH1
On September 18 of 2005, Canon broke new ground in
the digital video camera industry, announcing the
XL H1, which was Canon's first DVC featuring high
definition. Originally developed based on the needs
of professional and enthusiast...read more
CD Duplication Information
It's important to realize from the start that the
duplication and replication process is the same,
regardless of content, as well as the differences
between the CD duplication and replication process.
The duplication of CDs refers to...read more
How to Use eBay to Grow Your Other Businesses.
Most of the people who make money from eBay don't actually make all of that money on eBay. There are all sorts of ways you can use eBay to give your existing businesses a helping hand.
The Supply Side.
If you have any leftover stock or...read more
Caring for Your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Pet Dog
The soft coated wheaten terrier would be considered by most people to be "high maintenance". This means that a lot of care should be given to it in order to maintain its stature. This statement also means that a lot of steps should be taken in order...read more
Enjoying Yoga to Live Healthy Aging
Yoga is a sort of exercise. Yoga assists one with controlling various aspects of the body and mind. Yoga helps you to take control of your Central Nervous System (CNS) and more. Enjoying yoga on a daily scale will build you up, which you will notice...read more
Email Marketing Mistakes
Many business owners who opt to try email marketing make the mistake of believing any type of email marketing is beneficial. This is simply not true; there are a number of mistakes business owners can make when they organize an email marketing...read more
Back Pain and Herpes Simplex
What I am about to tell you will scare you into next year, especially if you have been diagnosed with herpes simplex? I want you to continue reading however before jumping to any conclusions. If you feel threatened at anytime, seek medical advice....read more
Decorating Your Bathroom for Christmas
Are you one of the many individuals who loves the Christmas holiday season? If so, there is a good chance that you may be interested in filling your home with Christmas decorations. Although you might not have given it any thought, did you know...read more
How to deal with credit card offer
If you're a person who carries a balance, credit card offer might be the least thing on your mind right now. Credit card offer, no matter how enticing and convenient it might seem, may be the most expensive loans made by banks, department stores,...read more
Advertise, Do not Spam
There is a fine line between advertising and spam and unfortunately many business owners do not understand the difference between the two. This is important because while a cleaver, well planted Internet marketing campaign can help to attract new...read more