How to Make MySpace Safer

MySpace is a great website to connect with others. With your MySpace account you can hook up with friends and colleagues you haven't seen in a while or meet new people. However MySpace also draws a lot of derelicts. Here are some tips to make your MySpace experience safer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• a MySpace account

1. When you first create your MySpace account your profile is public domain. That means anyone can see it. So when you first create your account do put anything personal on there. Keep it generic. That means no school names, last names, job information etc. Just a first name and something quick about yourself that is also very generic.
2. Once you have your account created you have the option of making your profile private. In other words only people that are on your friends list can see it. If you are using your MySpace account to hook up with old friends this may be the way to go. If you are looking to meet new people then you might want to keep it public with generic information.
3. Think twice about what you are posting. That goes for your profile, comments, bulletin board or blog. Make sure nothing personal is on there that some stranger can use later.
4. Chances are your kids are using MySpace. Have an open line of communication with them as to what they are using it for and always have the web address to their profile so you can keep an eye on what they are doing. If your children violate your laws of the household you can always contact MySpace directly and have them remove your child's profile. However it is probably better to teach them how to use MySpace properly as eventually they will create a profile you won't be able to find.
5. If your children use MySpace, then keep the computer in a common area of the house where there is a lot of traffic. Usually the family room is a good location. Kids are less likley to get into trouble online when people are watching.
6. As with all things kids do it is nearly impossible to keep track of what they do online (or offline) 24/7. For instances like this install tracking software of the computer so you can monitor where they are going and who they are talking to. Two popular pieces of tracking software are PC Tattletale and IAmBigBrother. They do cost a fee to use.
7. Install filtering software. This software prohibits anyone who is using your computer to visit sites that are inappropriate and this includes many MySpace profiles. ContentProtect is a good one and you use their trial version to see if you like it.
8. Finally, spy on your kids. Yes that is right spy on them. Even though they might tell you about their MySpace page, you should randomly, once in a while look their page up. If you see something inappropriate on there you should talk to them about it. Remember keep an open line of communication.