"MySpace"
Harmless or Hazardous?
We believe it is neither, but instead it is sitting right in the middle. The press has turned the website into a poster child for everything that is bad about the internet. The millions of users the majority being teenagers
responded by stating that it is totally safe. The problem lies in the policing of the site. Who is allowed on the site? How do they verify the identity and age of potential users? What information and photos are allowed? these are just a few of the questions that are plaguing this topic. The first step to be taken is education.
Parents, I don't care how you do it, but learn enough about computers and the internet to understand and monitor your childs access online. Explain to them that you don't need to see their conversations, but you need to view their profiles and photos. Parents, know the information they are broadcasting over the internet. If they won't let you see it, then more than likely they are displaying things that they shouldn't. Taking away the computer usage at home or not having a computer is not the answer. They can simply go to a library, school, friends house or any other location with a computer and log on.
Develop a constructive dialogue with your children to voice your concerns and listen to their comments. In the end you are the parent, if you choose to ban them from the web site, then ban them. However, try to reach a middle ground where they will be online, but give you access to their profiles.