Myspace- teen safety

[Smiling JOe]

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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:

 

[Jdarg]

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

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

 

[Unplugged]

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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[Mermaid]

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.

 

[imasunbum]

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).

 

[imasunbum]

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!!!

 

[jessifunn]

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?

 

[kathydwells]

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!!!!

 

[jessifunn]

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.

 

[Teresa]

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).