by Michael Podlesny

Created on: June 24, 2008   Last Updated: June 26, 2008

When it comes to online social networks none are more popular than MySpace. According to MySpace over ten million people have registered to create online profiles. Many use MySpace as a means to find old high school and college friends to meeting new friends or even building an online business.

However with all the great things that MySpace (and other social networks) is responsible for, as with all things that are good in this world, it also attracts those who can use it doe deceptive, illegal and evil things.

Take for instance the recent story in the news where a thirteen year old girl committed suicide after a neighbor used a fake MySpace profile to lure the girl in to thinking a handsome sixteen year old boy liked her. After they exchanged pictures, the neighbor kept writing the girl telling her how unattractive she was and that she should just "kill herself" so the world could be done with her. The trial is still pending.

MySpace can be the tool it is meant to be and useful to all if you just take some necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your kids that might be using it.

For starters make your profile and your kid's profiles private. Do not let anyone see it unless you have added them to your friend's list. Also do not just add anyone to your friend's list without getting to know them first. Message back and forth and check out their profile until you comfortable with who you are dealing with.

Know you kid's profile and check on it often. Sure your kids might like their privacy but when safety is involved that gets thrown out the window. Your kid's safety comes first, their privacy can come later.

Put the computer in your house in a common area where there is a lot of traffic like the family room. Kids are more likely to engage in things they shouldn't when no one is around. Keep the computer in sight to everyone.

Most importantly talk to your kids. It has been proven an open line of communication between parents and children is the best form of safety. If your kids know they can talk to you about anything, chances are they can come to you should they receive emails or messages that might be questionable. You are the parent, stay on top of your kids.

As a parent myself I know it is impossible to watch your kids 24/7. Because of that there are a variety of software tools out there called trackers. These pieces of software allow you to keep track of where you kids go on the internet and what they are doing. Is this spying? Maybe? But your kid's safety comes first remember? A good one where you can get a trial version of is called "IAmBigBrother". If you do a Google search on it, you should have no problem finding it.

MySpace is a great tool for everyone to use for both personal and business reasons. Be smart when online and don't forget to use the best tool of all and that is common sense.

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