Myspace Safety Tips

Are Teens Safe on Myspace?

If you ask police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, they may tell you about a 24-year-old man who claimed to be 18 in order to meet a 15-year-old girl and have sex with her. Authorities in Albuquerque arrested the man after the girl's mother caught him in her daughter's bedroom. According to statements made by the girl, she told investigators she met the man on Myspace several weeks earlier, provided him with her home address, and allowed him to climb a tree and enter the home through her bedroom window on at least SIX separate occasions.

In Connecticut, a 22-year-old man was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two 12-year-old girls he met on MySpace. In Los Angeles, a 19-year-old man was arrested for assaulting a 13-year-old girl after communicating with her through MySpace.

Is Myspace To Blame?

To be sure, some have used the Internet to contact minors on Myspace, and commit serious crimes. But should we blame Myspace? Those who have been online since the early days of the Web will recall very similar stories. It began with the popularity of email amongst teens, then chat rooms and instant messaging services, and more recently the focus is on social networking websites. Young people meet and hang out at the popular online destination du jour. They talk, boast, experiment with different personas, reveal personal details in public spaces, and they tend to believe almost anything. And yes, some get into trouble.

But even the police agree that the problem isn't necessarily Myspace, but how people use it. Detective Jay Barnes of Albuquerque's child exploitation unit says, "There are people who are out there shopping for someone to victimize. You put yourself in danger when you put your information out there, no matter what site it is. It's just like going into dark places at night."

The detective makes a good point -- every social setting online mirrors something in the physical world. And many of the same rules that govern social interaction in the offline world should be followed when online. Myspace officials say they work closely with police to make sure users are safe. Myspace rules require that one be at least 14 to create a profile, and they do claim to monitor profiles to ensure that young people comply. But that's an almost impossible task, with nearly 70 million members. Some kids do make the task a bit easier, though. I've heard of cases where girls claimed to be 16 and then elsewhere in their Myspace profile stated the name of the middle school they were attending.

How Can I Help My Child Stay Safe on Myspace?

First and foremost, you as the parent must set the rules for when and what your children are allowed to access online. You should also make sure that computers are in public places in your home -- not the child's bedroom. When your kids are online, do a little "shoulder surfing" from time to time, just so they know you're watching. If they complain, remind them about that wonderful place called "outdoors" where they can ride a bike, throw a ball, catch a fish, or talk face-to-face with the very same kids they're chatting with online.

If you allow your child to have a Myspace profile, make sure they understand these basic safety tips that apply to all online interactions, whether it be email, instant messaging, chat rooms or social networking sites like Myspace, LiveJournal, etc.

• Don't forget that your profile and forums are public spaces. Avoid posting anything that would make it easy for a stranger to find you, such as your phone number, address, IM screen name, or specific whereabouts.

• People aren't always who they say they are. It's fun to connect with new friends from all over the world, but avoid meeting people in person whom you do not fully know, unless accompanied by an adult.

• Don't post anything that would embarrass you later. Think twice before posting a photo or info you wouldn't want your parents, teachers, future boss or landlord to see! Don't mislead people or lie about your age.

• Parents, talk to your kids about what they do online, and ask to see their profiles. Discuss safe ways to communicate with others and how they should represent themselves online.

• Ask your child's teacher or guidance counselor if they are reinforcing this message at school. Many middle schools are having special assemblies that deal with Myspace and online safety.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful if you have young children who want to use the Internet:

• Sex Offender Databases Online
• FBI Publications: A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
• Yahooligans Parent's Guide

Do you have any Myspace tips to share? Post your comments below...