Is MySpace Dangerous for Teens?

MySpace is a touchy subject with parents everywhere. However, even though I may not be the web site's biggest fan, I have to say that in general, it's safe for teens. It's a social network for people of all ages to meet those with similar interests. Let's face it - many kids are on the internet to meet and talk to other people. And honestly, they're going to do so whether MySpace exists or not. For years kids have been using popular blog sites and instant messengers to do just that. MySpace simply makes it easier. But is this wrong? I don't think so. After all, parents everywhere know about MySpace, and can easily monitor what their children do on the popular site. I could easily say when I was growing up, it wasn't nearly as simple for my parents to keep tabs on who I was talking to.

Many parents try to lecture their children about the dangers of network sites, but let's be real here: it's gotten old! Everybody's heard of the story about the cop who poses as an online predator, and tracks a girl he's been chatting with down to prove to her how dangerous it is. Parents need a new approach, and many kids just don't believe these things until they seem them first hand. So why not take an opportunity to show them? Pick a random person on MySpace, and point out to your own child just how much personal information is on there. Show them how easy it is to figure out where someone lives just from those few things. Chances are, when they see it in action, they'll be much more cautious.Feel your child doesn't need to be taught a lesson, but still feel things are unsafe? Then just stay connected. All you have to do to get access to what's going on with your son or daughter is create an account, and add them as friends! You can see the bulletins, blogs and comments they post. You can see what people post about them. Be involved with what they do on the internet. Like I mentioned earlier, MySpace is like a savior for parents. Can you imagine without it, all the other places your children would be exploring without you having the least idea how to keep an eye on them? MySpace gives them a venue for this social need, and gives parents the tools to monitor it.

Anything can be unsafe, especially on the internet. Are there predators on MySpace? Probably just as much as there are spammers and trolls. So why not use such an opportunity to teach your kids about wrong and right? Show them just how easy it is to find information out about them just by what they show in their "About Me" section and Bulletin Board surveys. Get your own account, and add them as friends. Customize your own profile omitting your own personal information to act as a role model, rather than just telling them what not to do - set an example!