Over the past several years, social-networking has burst onto the internet. The term social-networking refers to the growing number of sites that allow it’s users to interact and socialize on the web. Sites like MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and twitter are some of the most popular. They really have become the Shopping Mall of the 21st century. Children/Teens often enjoy hanging out online on these sites more than they do at the mall or other social hangs.

These social networking sites allow their users to create a profile(s) for themselves. When they register, they provide an email address, along with personal information such as their name, date of birth, and the city/state in which they live. Once the user has created a profile, they are able to post comments, link their friends, post pictures/videos and a whole host of other services.

As a parent, there are several things that you should keep in mind:

1. You should make sure that your child put’s their profile into private mode. This basically means that nobody can see their profile unless they are added as a friend by your child. Also realize that this means that you cannot checkup on your child unless you have an account that is one of their friends, or you have your child’s password.
2. Students can create multiple profiles. All they need is multiple email addresses. These can be obtained for free from multiple websites such as Yahoo.com, MSN, etc. Being that I work in a High School, I have seen students who have multiple profiles. They show one to their parents containing normal high school based things, and another they they have for their friends where they put everything they do not want their parents to find out about.  Please check the keylogger section under software to learn how to gain access to all of their profiles.
3. Please be sure that you child is aware that not everyone online is who they appear to be. In general, there is no way to verify the identity of everyone that creates a profile. This makes it possible for online predators to create a profile, make up a name, enter an incorrect birth day, and post false pictures of themselves. At that point they can send messages to your child and pose as someone their age.

This is by no means a complete description of the services or potential threats possible by using these services. As always, keep the family computer in a public area of the house and take an interest in what your children do online. Make it a point to look over their shoulder and make them show you every window that is open. Do not just assume that they are pefect angels. We all know how we were at their age.  Until next time, stay informed so we can Protect the Child.

Topics: MySpace, Social Networking | -->

Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Protect the Child is proudly powered by WordPress - Designed by RFDN
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS)