MySpace safety has become a serious issue, and with good reason.
As one of the largest Social Networking sites on the Web; MySpace allows minors as young as 14 to join and has been found in numerous instances to contain malicious software (malware) and spyware within it's graphical advertisements.
In it's defense, MySpace has been aggressively targeting predators, and causing a growing number of law suits.
The following MySpace Safety tips will help insure your safety, as well as that of your children.
MySpace Safety Tips
Strongly familiarize yourself with the Terms of Service Agreement.
This will give you a clear understanding of the types of content and activities which are strictly prohibited on MySpace. Knowing these will help you determine if a potentially harmful threat is, in fact, in violation of the MySpace TOS.
MySpace administrators will investigate member allegations and will take appropriate actions (including legal, if necessary) if a violation of their TOS is discovered. Carefully review their privacy policy, as well.
Avoid posting seemingly harmless information on MySpace, such as school location.
Stalking is a very real MySpace Safety concern, which can quickly escalate when online predators know where you or your child lives or goes to school.
When meeting online MySpace members in person- choose a high-profile public location.
Though not always possible, parents should accompany their child on these meetings. At very least your child should go with at least one other trusted person, preferably adult.
Avoid secluded meet-up locations.
Stay away from secluded locations, such as the stranger's home; stick with high-profile locations, like restaurants or malls.
Avoid directly responding to threats or harassment.
Instruct your children to "ignore" these instances by not immediately responding; and report this type of behavior to either you, or a teacher (if at school). Direct and immediate response, without first alerting the proper authorities can quickly escalate to a potentially dangerous situation.
Get involved with your child's online interactions on a highly regular basis, to determine if their interactions are potentially harmful.
You should be especially concerned when your child is interacting with older individuals.
Parents should also be aware that the Web contains many predators, whom are excellent at masking their true identity.
You may may think it no big deal for your 15 year old daughter to harmlessly flirt with a 16 year old boy, but the real possibility exists that her online 'friend' is really an older predator.
Be aware of suspicious behavior and suggestions of meeting your child in person.
Do not allow your children to give out personal information such as their full name or address;
Do not allow photos of your children to be uploaded by them, without your approval;
A MySpace profile has the option to make it private.
Though the default is publicly viewable by both MySpace community members, as well as non- members; at any time you can change your MySpace page to private and make it only available to those on your friends list.
This also allows you to manually approve new invites to see your profile.
You always have the option of removing members from your friends list. You can block other members, as well, from sending you e-mails or instant messages
To keep your computer safe from malware and spyware on MySpace, simply avoid ALL graphical advertisements.
Bear in mind that there are financial predators on MySpace who project a false identity to gain the trust of MySpace members and orchestrate a financial scam; by catering to the Herd Psychology.
Exercise due caution in your MySpace interactions, and properly educate your children, as well as get involved which their online community dwellings. This includes instant messages and emails.
Always be aware of even semi-sensitive information posted within your MySpace profile, viewable by the general public, that can be leveraged by predators.
