Turn MySpace into MySafe: 10 Tips, Especially for Young Users

Online journals, such as Myspace, Facebook and Livejournal are the single biggest craze to hit the US and the world since internet usage itself began. The audience that Myspace appeals most to, as with many crazes are teens. Parents, caregivers and educators are, for excellent reasons, concerned about sites like Myspace. Is the user safe from cyberstalking? How much personal information is divulged? Is photo-posting safe? Who can access this information? Improper usage of online journals can be just as lethal as inhalants or drugs.

On Myspace, unlike any other teen phenomenon, adults can create Myspace accounts for themselves. They can create 'personas' for themselves which do not reflect their true age and identity. Also, teens can post any picture on Myspace, making it a virtual Sears catalog for pedophiles. We've seen the eerie and provocative commercials in which strangers and oddballs approach a young teen girl and make lascivious comments and suggestions about what they saw on her Myspace page.

Since Myspace is going to have to run the course of any craze, and it doesn't show signs of slowing, it's up to us as parents or teens to be wise, proactive and responsible in our use or regulations of Myspace. As with any other forbidden fruit, banning students from using Myspace will lead to a whole world of danger. Look at what happened in the 20's and 30's in the US when alcohol was prohibited. Chaos ensued because now alcohol could not be regulated. So with Myspace, we need to teach teens to use common cyber sense. And teens, you need to 'space safely'; keep yourself safe by using your gut instincts and common sense. Here are 10 safety regulations to use when you on an online chat or journal site.

Parents: Take the time to familiarize yourself with your teens online journal. How does the site work? What are the safety features? How is your teen using it? Don't be negative, nosey and know-it-all. Many parents don't have a clue about how Myspace works, yet they try to tell the kids what to do. That's annoying and counter-productive. If you have thoughtfully taken time to explore the site, you can converse with intelligence, not blind fear.

Parents: Keep the computer where you can see what's going on. Don't leave kids for hours at a time alone with the computer, TV, game system. Keep contact with them. Don't let electronics be the 'plug-in babysitter'.

Parents: Don't assume. Ask. Keep in touch. If you are sincere and caring your kids will appreciate your concern. Listen to what they say and don't say. Respect their thoughts. This is good advice anytime, but especially when trying to navigate the cyber world.

Parents: Take time to look at the Myspace your teens have created. These online journals are a way to express creativity and personality. Many kids take great pains to design layouts, choose music or slogans that reflect who they are, what's important to them, how they feel, etc. Our teens like to share with us what they've added and although I'm not into online journals, I respect that this is a form of communication.

Everyone: Follow the rules of Myspace. They are there for your protection. To those of you under 14, you'll just have to wait. That age limit is another important precaution. I don't care mature or smart you are or think you are. Follow the wisdom of those older (many of whom have learned from painful experience). Think of it like a driver's license; it's a rite of passage to look forward to.

Everyone: Limit the time on the computer. Use with moderation. The whole family needs to do this. Unless you run a home-business, surfing the web or playing, whatever form that may take, can be an addiction. Don't expect anyone to limit their time if you as a parent, spend hours gaming or chatting. Loneliness is one of the biggest reasons that many people turn to their PC instead of real people for companionship.

Myspace users: Only allow people you know and who have given you their personal information on your site as 'friends'. Don't hesitate to delete anyone you feel uncomfortable with. Use the old adage 'If it don't feel right, it probably ain't.'. Be very picky about who you let become a 'friend'

Myspace users: Be very creative; camouflage any personal info. Think of this as your chance to create a very cool disguise. Don't use any personal info as part of your user ID, password, email, etc. I'm older and my brain cells are tired, so it is harder for me to think up inventive names. But you young folk, from what I've seen can really come up with some clever stuff that no one would ever guess, especially if locked out after the allotted number of attempts. Outsmart the weirdos and make yourself too much work to for a pedophile to bother with.

Myspacers: Never, ever, never, publish any suggestive picture of yourself. Girls, even if it's just a little cleavage; boys, no shirts off. Also do not post or allow suggestive posts, even as a joke. Do not tempt the perverts. There is nothing wrong with you, it's them and their problem. But don't give them any reason to think that you are vulnerable or open to suggestion.

Everyone:Report abuse of online journal sites. Even if you just suspect it. If it's a friend, you can do it anonymously. The Myspace company has professionals who can and will ban inappropriate conduct.

Keep these sites safe for everyone to enjoy in a healthy way.