Decoding MySpace

According to the article Decoding MySpace on USNews.com social networking sites, instant messaging, chat rooms, E-mail and the like are social gatherings for teenagers, although parents do not qualify the former as such. However, social networks are avaliable for hanging out, socialization and gossip, as well as being avaliable to people all around the country and the world, they are avaliable 24/7. Furthermore, these social networks are avaliable through the internet, which means that teens can check their pages daily, for hours at a time. Checking messages and comments as well as uploading pictures has become a compulsive occurence among teens. Although, social networks and messaging seems harmless enough, often parents are unaware of the visibility and publicity of their children's lives. It is often the case that parents would not allow their children to attend a party without adult supervision, however, parents are unaware of their children's cybersecrecy.

Read the entire article Decoding MySpace on USNews.com to find out how to protect your children on the internet

Internet safety: What Parents Need to Know

WiredSafety.org offers parents a useful internet safety kit categorized by age group. There are overall guidelines for each group, as well as specific guidelines for distinct age categories.

Internet Safety
Source: Parry Aftab/WiredSafety.org

What is a Social Networking Site and How to Keep your Kids Safe from them?

As the use of the Internet becomes more widespread for children and teenagers, it is important that we protect them from the dangers they can pose. It is important to monitor who your child is interacting with on these sites and what is being said.

One of the most growing trends on the internet are what as known as Social Networking Sites. A Social Networking site is a place where you basically meet other people and share photos, blog entries etc. These sites include Facebook, Myspace, and Friendster just to name a few. While these sites can be perfectly harmless, they could also pose a potential danger to your children. One of the biggest problems facing these sites are young children/teenagers giving too much information to potential predators. Adults who pose as children is one of the problems facing these sites. Children are in danger of being harmed and it is important that parents educate their children about the dangers of these sites.

If you feel your child may be in danger you can contact a private investigator to help. A private investigator is trained in this types of situations and can help catch someone who may be dangerous to your child.

Here are some more links on this topic

Why Parents Must Mind Myspace

Dangers of Social Networking Sites

Warnings about Social Networking Sites