Are Kids Safe on Myspace?

The Internet is a dangerous place for kids anyway, but when you add to that a big social network that is as popular as Myspace with millions of members, you definitely have an unsafe environment for kids.

Child predators are always looking for ways to lure unsuspecting kids into their traps and what better place then where kids go to socialize and make new friends. Kids are trusting, innocent beings that can be charmed into situations that they think are innocent, fun or caring situations. But once in those situations they can be abused and even killed.

Let's face it, there are many other places on the Internet that are unsafe for kids and where child predators are lurking to lure your child into their trap. But because of the size and popularity of Myspace, it is more likely that your child will be on there and that there will be much more child predators. Child predators are attracted to places where they think the most kids will be, this way they can play the numbers. If one child doesn't fall into their trap they can just keep trying until one does.

Kids like to do whatever the popular thing is and out of all the social websites out there, Myspace is the popular thing. Myspace does have rules to try to protect children on their website, like not allowing children under a certain age (18) to join the site, but kids now a days are very computer savvy and can find ways around the rules.

Ultimately it is up to the parents to protect their children on Myspace or any other social website. The ways you as a parent can do that is; impress upon your child the importance of not giving anyone online their personal information. Such as name, phone number, address or even where they go to school. Also don't post any photos of themselves. You may have taught your child not to talk to strangers on the street, but you should also let them know the danger of talking to strangers online. The most important thing parents can do to protect their children online, is to know what their children are doing online at all times. Don't let the computer baby-sit for you. If you can't be in the same room when your child is online, either don't let them be online at that time or check on them periodically to see what they are doing.

Are kids safe on Myspace? With some vigilance and teaching from parents it very well can be.