Because I Love You, That's Why

Past blogs have explored social networking sites. How do we keep our children safe from all the crazies out there? It is not only sexual predators that are the problem but also cyber-bullies who terrorize the weak and vulnerable.

It was announced by Attorney General Drew Edmondson that technology has been developed to verify the age and identity of MySpace Users. This is a joint project of the company and 48 state attorney generals. The site will be safer for children.

Under the agreement, profiles of MySpace users will be set to private so no strangers can get information from their profile. Users can block anyone over 18 from contacting them. People over 18 cannot add anyone under 16 as a friend in their network unless they have their last name or an e-mail address.

This is a start, but there is actually no age-verification system. Additionally, predators seem good at getting around restrictions. Age verification requires a data-base which would be vulnerable to hackers and anyone who could get into the system.

Here comes the same old song. Once again, the real responsibility falls into parent's laps. An open door policy regarding tween and teen activity on the Internet should be the norm. If your child wants privacy, suggest a diary. Their password access should be a given and regular monitoring of Internet activity practiced. (Of course, you may have to bite your lip about other things you see there. This is another one of those "pick'" your battles issues.)

MySpace offers the following guidelines for children and parents:

# Don't forget that your MySpace profile and forums are public spaces: Don't post anything you wouldn't want the world to know-such as a phone number, address, ect. Avoid posting anything that would make it easy for a stranger to find you, such as where you hang out every day or a picture of you in front of your school or work place.

# People aren't always who they say they are: Be careful adding strangers to your friends list. It's fun to connect with MySpace friends around the world but avoid meeting people whom you do not know.

# Harassment, hate speech and inappropriate content should be reported: If you feel someone's behavior is inappropriate, report it to MySpace or to the authorities.

# Don't post anything that would embarrass you later: it is easy to think that only friends are looking at your MySpace page but the truth is, everyone can see it. Think before posting a photo or information you wouldn't want your parents, potential employers, colleges or bosses to see.

# Don't say you are over 18 if you are not: If MySpace service determines you are under 14 and pretend to be older, MySpace will delete your profile. If customer service determines you are over 18 and pretend to be younger, MySpace will also delete your file.
Source: MySpace

http://www.wiredsafety.org/ estimates 20 percent of teens have met someone online that they have never met in person. Resulting horror stories run the gamut from the Dateline exposes to abductions, rapes and suicides. We have to insure the safety of our children. Parents sometimes have to just stand tough and be perceived as the bad guys. That's OK. It's our job.