Myspace- teen safety

This is a copy of the AOL Guardian emails you can recieve tracking your child's online activity. We had these controls turned off for a long time. I just turned them back on again.



Dear ----------,

Per your request, this is a summary of ---'s online activity on Monday August 28, 2006.



Top 5 Visited Web Sites

aolsvc.aolr.aol.com 2 visits
vmp.aol.com 1 visit




Top 5 Web Sites successfully blocked

--------------- has not attempted to visit any blocked web sites.




E-mails IMs
Read 0 Received 3
Sent 0 Sent 0
Reported Spam 0


New Instant Messaging Feature: you can now control who your child IMs with. Visit IM Controls to set up an IM Safety List.

Helpful Links:
- View or modify the Parental Control Settings for ------------.
- View the Online Guardian Report to review the last 14 days of your child's online activity.
- Edit your Delivery Settings to change when you receive this e-mail.

I am curious to know if it still tracks the sites if you do not access the web via AO(hel)L.

This is a copy of the AOL Guardian emails you can recieve tracking your child's online activity. We had these controls turned off for a long time. I just turned them back on again.



Dear ----------,

Per your request, this is a summary of ---'s online activity on Monday August 28, 2006.



Top 5 Visited Web Sites

aolsvc.aolr.aol.com 2 visits
vmp.aol.com 1 visit




Top 5 Web Sites successfully blocked

--------------- has not attempted to visit any blocked web sites.




E-mails IMs
Read 0 Received 3
Sent 0 Sent 0
Reported Spam 0


New Instant Messaging Feature: you can now control who your child IMs with. Visit IM Controls to set up an IM Safety List.

Helpful Links:
- View or modify the Parental Control Settings for ------------.
- View the Online Guardian Report to review the last 14 days of your child's online activity.
- Edit your Delivery Settings to change when you receive this e-mail.

I have no idea how my post, quoting you, jumped ahead of your post.

Anywho, OL, did you say that you tell your kids that you are tracking them?

I have no idea how my post, quoting you, jumped ahead of your post.

Anywho, OL, did you say that you tell your kids that you are tracking them?

Freaky - - I thought I was going insane momentarily! Whew.

That's what parental controls are for. It works for us right now but I realize there are ways around it.

Parental controls only keep you from feeling helpless. The interent is everywhere. I don't blame you for trying and it's great that you care.

Education is the answer and I'm not talking about school.

I have no idea how my post, quoting you, jumped ahead of your post.

Anywho, OL, did you say that you tell your kids that you are tracking them?

They know but they have nothing to hide. Really, I have pretty naive kids, 10 and 12. The only think Sam is interested in on the internet is fashion and music and Dylan just loves the games. We are very involved in our church and Sam is in with a great group of friends who all participate in youth group. I feel this will be a good support system for her.

Obviously we have AOL but it will track any website visited...myspace..etc.. but we only use the internet explorer browser. Did that answer your question?

Parental controls only keep you from feeling helpless. The interent is everywhere. I don't blame you for trying and it's great that you care.

Education is the answer and I'm not talking about school.

Good point, computers and internet access is available at many locations, even your public library. There have been recent battles and ongoing battles fighting over free speach and the internet through libraries. So far, free speach seems to be winning. Even though most libraries have policies against lascivious materials (including via the internet), that alone cannot stop someone from accessing sexually provacative websites from the library. Some libraries with special sections for kids, may have filters blocking kids from accessing, and the library typically doesn't allow kids to use the puters for adults.

I think the primary point I hear being made from most people is that the material is readily accessible for anyone interested in seeing it, so you best be talking straight with your kids about the joys and sorrows of sex -- I think that most parents tend to focus on only the negative parts, and that can really screw up a kid in many ways, especially when they try to rebel against their parents and do everything the parents say not to do. Remind the kids that every choice in their life becomes a part of them forever, whether good or bad choices, they are their own choices -- just as Bobby J's signature quote states.

They know but they have nothing to hide. Really, I have pretty naive kids, 10 and 12. The only think Sam is interested in on the internet is fashion and music and Dylan just loves the games. We are very involved in our church and Sam is in with a great group of friends who all participate in youth group. I feel this will be a good support system for her.

Obviously we have AOL but it will track any website visited...myspace..etc.. but we only use the internet explorer browser. Did that answer your question?

Not really. In the past, as an AOL user, you could access the web via AOL, or you could escape the AOL vortex and bypass AOL to access the WWW. (That may no longer hold true today -- I don't know.) My question is, if you bypass AOL to access the WWW, will it still trace you activity?

Just remember this. My opposition is not due to the safety issues. You guys have all covered that and I am with you on that. Private Profiles...I understand. My opposition is what they are exposed to. You may as well leave a stack of pornos by the dvd player and say "now, don't watch those" because they can see it all on Myspace. The first time my daughter asked me about it, was right after Taylor Behl, the girl from the college in Virginia, had been murdered. During the news coverage of that murder it mentioned her and her murderers Myspace pages. So...when my daughter asked I checked it out. Almost immediately, I was staring right at a guy in his birthday suit with the heading "take a good look girls before tom deletes me again". Next I see animated sex taking place and this was the avatar of a young girl (age 14). And I could go on and on. It is just not appropriate. If you don't think they will look think again. Kids can't help it.

We don't have kids, which would most certainly alter my perspective to a degree. I have to agree with imasunbum - MySpace does way more harm than good for young children IMO. From my observations, too many parents seem to exhibit a laissez fair attitude regarding MySpace and the internet in general, when it comes to what their kids are exposed to.

I don't have the magic solution, but I am amazed at the 'freedoms' some parents give their very young kids these days regarding the web in general, which I feel translates to a breakdown in family discipline.
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Parental controls only keep you from feeling helpless. The interent is everywhere. I don't blame you for trying and it's great that you care.

Education is the answer and I'm not talking about school.

ITA, I'm like KD with her son, talk about things and try to keep the lines of communication open. Mostly b/c I didn't feel comfortable talking with my parents about anything! I really want to keep the close relationship I have with my kids. I was the quiet, well-behaved middle child that went through somewhat of a rebellion as a teenager. This was going on for a couple of years before my parents even caught on. It makes me more aware as a parent.

Not really. In the past, as an AOL user, you could access the web via AOL, or you could escape the AOL vortex and bypass AOL to access the WWW. (That may no longer hold true today -- I don't know.) My question is, if you bypass AOL to access the WWW, will it still trace you activity?

Not sure, since it's an AOL service I wouldn't think so but who knows?

We don't have kids, which would most certainly alter my perspective to a degree. I have to agree with imasunbum - MySpace does way more harm than good for young children IMO. From my observations, too many parents seem to exhibit a laissez fair attitude regarding MySpace and the internet in general, when it comes to what their kids are exposed to.

I don't have the magic solution, but I am amazed at the 'freedoms' some parents give their very young kids these days regarding the web in general, which I feel translates to a breakdown in family discipline.________________________________

I know parents that allow computers in the kid's bedrooms and don't monitor a thing. Unfathomable to me. But that's just me.

Good point, computers and internet access is available at many locations, even your public library. There have been recent battles and ongoing battles fighting over free speach and the internet through libraries. So far, free speach seems to be winning. Even though most libraries have policies against lascivious materials (including via the internet), that alone cannot stop someone from accessing sexually provacative websites from the library. Some libraries with special sections for kids, may have filters blocking kids from accessing, and the library typically doesn't allow kids to use the puters for adults.

I think the primary point I hear being made from most people is that the material is readily accessible for anyone interested in seeing it, so you best be talking straight with your kids about the joys and sorrows of sex -- I think that most parents tend to focus on only the negative parts, and that can really screw up a kid in many ways, especially when they try to rebel against their parents and do everything the parents say not to do. Remind the kids that every choice in their life becomes a part of them forever, whether good or bad choices, they are their own choices -- just as Bobby J's signature quote states.

:clap_1:

The only computer in the house that has internet is in the office- which opens onto the main living area of our house. I can sit on the couch, glance over my shoulder, and see the screen. We Myspace music every now and then, but I find much of the Myspace stuff annoying (maybe you veterans can tell me what I am missing? Other than the fact that I am 42 and not cool). Plus, Will knows that his dad can find out what sites he has visited.

Lately he is obsessed with Google Earth. I think we are pretty safe, unless there is now a Big Hooters of Google Earth site or something... Of course LL and RO would have found that site by now if it did exist.

...

Lately he is obsessed with Google Earth. I think we are pretty safe, unless there is now a Big Hooters of Google Earth site or something... Of course LL and RO would have found that site by now if it did exist.

Where there is a "Will" there is a way. :funn:

Where there is a "Will" there is a way. :funn:

You are adding to my stress level today.:nono1:

The only computer in the house that has internet is in the office- which opens onto the main living area of our house. I can sit on the couch, glance over my shoulder, and see the screen. We Myspace music every now and then, but I find much of the Myspace stuff annoying (maybe you veterans can tell me what I am missing? Other than the fact that I am 42 and not cool). Plus, Will knows that his dad can find out what sites he has visited.

Lately he is obsessed with Google Earth. I think we are pretty safe, unless there is now a Big Hooters of Google Earth site or something... Of course LL and RO would have found that site by now if it did exist.

Ditto that jdarg! In spite of how popular it has become, I find very little redeeming value in Myspace for adults or young children. Just an observation...
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As I've said, my kids prefer facebook so I googled some extra info. Interesting.

http://www.bathtubyoga.com/blog/myspace-vs-facebook-or-why-facebook-needs-artist-pages.html

It makes mention of something Smiling JOe mentioned, about myspace being a good source if you like to follow the music community. And mentioned what I said about the school aspect of facebook.

I am on myspace all the time, and only occasionally, I will see a persons page which is slutty -- rarely, but I am not actively searching for it. If you are concerned with that which your child may see on myspace, you may be missing the big picture of the internet. Type in in body part into any search engine, and you are only one click away from hard core porn.

You are so right - that is why she has no myspace and has as much restricted access as possible (according to Dad).

That's what parental controls are for. It works for us right now but I realize there are ways around it.

I am sure, depending on how computer savvy one is, there are ways around it, but as a Mom, I can do my job by not allowing my daughter to have a myspace page and by using parental controls. I can only try.

And I do try my best to educate her about sex as much as is appropriate at her age.

I suppose I look at it like drinking - yes - they could easily get alcoholic beverages, but I will do my best to prevent it and certainly won't provide it.

Okay guys - she's just my little girl - my skin is thin here!!!

why does a 14yr old from Atlanta want to be my friend? i looked at the profile and it is a private blocked one does she belong to anyone on here? last time i saw this message it was kathydwells son trying to be my friend. :roll: (just kidding we are buds and i accepted him as my friend)

why do people send out random request?

why does a 14yr old from Atlanta want to be my friend? i looked at the profile and it is a private blocked one does she belong to anyone on here? last time i saw this message it was kathydwells son trying to be my friend. :roll: (just kidding we are buds and i accepted him as my friend)

why do people send out random request?

I don't know, but I have gotten a few folks wanting to be my friend that I did not know. I just deny, deny, deny!!!!

oh yeah that happens all the time. it is usually bands or some freak.

p.s. i already denied. i don't accept unless i know them.

We don't have kids, which would most certainly alter my perspective to a degree. I have to agree with imasunbum - MySpace does way more harm than good for young children IMO. From my observations, too many parents seem to exhibit a laissez fair attitude regarding MySpace and the internet in general, when it comes to what their kids are exposed to.

I don't have the magic solution, but I am amazed at the 'freedoms' some parents give their very young kids these days regarding the web in general, which I feel translates to a breakdown in family discipline.
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you have some good points Mr. UP. But, I'm not afraid of my child's exposure to the internet. at least not anymore than I'm afraid of his exposure to the world in general.

what amazes me is that so many parents don't bother to communicate or educate their children about life, choices, decisions and consequences. THIS lack of communication or lack of a real relationship with the child results in a breakdown in that child's future for sure. If we take time and teach our children, be with our children, and live a good example, they will do the right thing for themselves.

surely, the internet is a tool that older children need to learn how to use for many purposes, including educational, and should be given every opportunity to do so (hopefully everything they know about life, decisions, choices will guide them in use of the internet).

My son is 13. some of the girls in his class have such slutty my spaces... it's okay to be flirty but some of the pictures and polls they take are so raunchy. You have to moniter. when you see their friends photos on their space, check out THEIR myspace. you will be suprised. I saw a 12 year old girl that said "Save horses, ride a cowboy!"..... WTF?