Staying Safe on Social Networking Sites Like Facebook and Myspace

Social networking websites like Facebook and Myspace have become very popular over the last few years. These days it seems as if people of all ages (including grandmothers) are getting into the social networking world. These networking websites can be great for keeping in touch with family and friends, finding old friends, making new friends, and keeping up to date with the latest news and music scene. 

Unfortunately, with the good always comes the bad. There are a lot of sick people in the world today that use websites like these to find their newest victims. Some people put way too much personal information onto their Facebook or Myspace page making them self the perfect target for these predators. 

Kids are just itching to get onto these websites because their friends may be doing it. Being a parent, you may be a little apprehensive about letting your child log onto any one of the thousands of social networking websites. If you think your child is mature enough to behave responsibly on these websites there are still some precautions that you should take. Don't be afraid to be a parent, it is your responsibility to monitor what your child does.

Precautions for letting your child on Myspace or Facebook

• Make their password with them so that you have access to their account. This way you can just check in and see that they are not doing anything inappropriately.
• Make the page private. When a page is marked private the only way someone can see the page is if they are already on your child's friend list.
• Accept friend requests only from people your child is familiar with. Make sure your child knows not to allow strangers onto their friend list.
• Profile photo. The main profile photo should either be a graphic, or just a head shot of your child; no full body pics in a bikini, or mini skirt. These will only attract predators.
• Myspace offers the option of only allowing people to send friend requests if they know your child's last name. Use this for extra safety.
• Myspace offers a way for members to customize their page by adding various graphics, or photos. Be sure that your child does not have any provocative or suggestive graphics on their page.

Safety Precautions for All Ages

• Put only information on your website that you wish everyone to see. This means no personal information like your phone number, or address. 
• Adding provocative photos is just like asking for a predator's attention.
• Make your page private for extra precaution.
• Jobs sometimes do searches for current, or potential employees. Make sure that you do not have anything on your page that could look unprofessional to an employer.
• Do not participate in any online drama. Do not harass others through these networking websites. If someone harasses you, report them.
• Report any threats received.

When meeting someone from the internet.

It's becoming more and more common for people to find potential dates online. If you feel comfortable and confident enough to meet someone in person from the internet, there are a few precautions that you should take:

• Let a family member or friend know about this meeting. Be sure to give them information about the person you are meeting including a full name and where they live.
• Meet in a public place. For the first meet, make it somewhere out in public where you have the safety of other people around you while you talk and get to know one another.
• Do not invite the person to your home before getting to know them.
• If you begin to feel uncomfortable about this person, make up an excuse to leave and make sure that he/she does not follow you.
• Don't drink alcohol on the first meet. Alcohol can impair your judgement and you don't want the other person taking advantage of that.

Most of these are common sense, however, there are some people who tend to think with their heart instead of their head. Just remember, if you are looking for love online, it may take time and patience.