I found this great article about protecting your kids from myspace

The term "protect your kids from myspace" is a bit misleading. It's not myspace itself that you need to keep your kids from, but rather, the predators that lurk on websites such as myspace.com.

People must keep in mind when discussing such things that there are always predators out there no matter what, and yes, there should be protection, but kids hate parents that are overprotective.

Just keep in mind the basic tips. For example, I'd suggest having a "private" profile on myspace rather than having a general, public profile. Basic tips like these can help keep your kids safe and keep you with a strong peace of mind.

Myspace is a whirlwind right now and eventually things are going to catch up. The makers and creators need to take more security measures for kids because they are widely using it., Hell everyone is, watching tv now you can see commericials for companies that use it to advertise.

I think that more parents need to get involved in their children's lives. Whenever you hear of a teen doing something or something happening to a teen, their parents had no idea what was going on. I know that when my daughter is older she and I will have a very open relationship where she and I can talk about everything, also as far as the computer goes it will always remain in and open area of the house, not in her room.

someone called me on the phone and asked about some pics my son had on myspace. I was like my what?? so looked it up and was shocked! And the comments he was getting was horrid. His cousin is like only 12 and the language she was using and inviting comments. I couldn't believe it. My son lives with his real mom, not much I can do about it but have his daddy talk to him.
I started surfing the site and was quit disgusted at what I found.

As a kid here, and a user of MySpace.com.

Each and everyone of you people are 120 percent correct about the whole Predator crisis.

I use MySpace constantly to talk to friends from my school, from other schools, old camp councelers I had, and even my Uncle and Cousin.

Do I post my address or phone number? No.
Do I post my last name? No.
Do I post my first name? yes.

I do not see any problem with kids using MySpace as long as they know what they're doing on the computer, and that you are being watched by hackers.

I use a program called "Trillian Pro" that contains 5 instant messaging programs, YIM, AIM, MSN, GIM, and AYN

There is nothing different about this program than the other instant messaging programs, only that there are two features that are used for security purposes. One feature is "History", and the other is "Instant Message Status"

History is an IM logging feature...that I use for many reasons.

Instant Message Status is the number one reason why I spent 245 dollars on this program.

What this does is show people who are watching and eavesdropping on your conversation, and the amount of people who are talking.

You can view what the instant message box looks like in the attachment.

Anyways, the point is that hackers all over the internet can get into anyone's MySpace account and view what they send, what they look like, and the supposed "Private Info".

Now, the only part in this topic I do not agree with this topic is the whole.. protecting your kids from myspace part.

I believe as long as you have a child who is not a dumbass and posts all their information on MySpace, or anything on the web, there is no reason why the child shouldnt be able to use MySpace.

First of all, your child shouldnt even have ACCESS to the internet if they dont understand how to be safe on a computer.



Now, about the whole...the parents will be shocked about the content...part

If you browse around MySpace, the chances are you will probably find an online dating advertisement, showing a half naked women on the banner.

Now this is the big debate here. The chances are the parent does not think a women showing half her breasts on the internet is acceptable for children to view on the internet.

But, think about this.

80 percent of all users on myspace are under the age of 18, however they're all over the age of 11.

16 percent of all users are adults.

and finally the other 4 percent are children under the age of 11 who has parents who do not care about them using the internet.

I am sure the 80 percent of those kids see girls at their school look as slutty as that everyday. I mean...what is this? Parents think MySpace is inapropriate because of it's advertisements? Bullshit. Have these child been told what sex is?

Good god.



The last essay I have to say is the profanity on MySpace.


Every person in the world constantly hears a verbly offense term at least 20 times a day. It's the english language people! This is america! It's a freedom of speach! Look...Fuck...Fuck...shit...cock...whore...hoe...b itch...ass...motherfucker...

Did I kill or hurt anybody? No! Big freakin deal!

It's not like your children dont say these everyday at school at least a 100 times a day! You may think your precious babies dont...but sorry parents...


They swear.


Now tell me this...

Why the hell should anyone care if there is profanity on a website.
You over protective parents should pull your head's out of your asses and learn the truth.
You think saying fuck..and sex...is shocking? why dont you go to google and search how many kids look at pornography each day..


Thank you...


-Trevor
http://www.krohnindustries.net

looks like Trevor needs a good spanking.
Cursing is NOT the english language. It is stupid and lack of english language. It is not accepted in all social crowds, so no not all kids do it.
Did you know your ISP can be shut off for saying those words over the internet in an open forum or in email?
I dont think the banner ads is the pics we are talking about. I seen personal pics that where not something you see in school every day. Or on t.v. for that fact. 1 that comes to mind was a guy named anaconda.
And the personal mesages they recieve folks going in details their sexual desires.
Your right not all kids now better but we can't raise the whole countries or worlds kids, just our own.

Trevor,
You have some serious issues and I feel for your parents. Cursing is not something they teach in ENGLISH CLASS, it is also not in the dictionary so how is it part of English language. As far as us parents getting our heads out of our as*, I think you need to take your own advice little boy. My Space is one of the most dangerous internet threats out there for kids (haven’t you watched Dateline?). Dana, you are right the only kids we can control are our own not the whole country. Too bad Trevor’s parents can’t control him.