So, you have a responsible teen and you/they would like for them to be able to keep their MySpace account. Alright, we have put together a guide on how to let your kids enjoy MySpace safely and responsibly. I believe it can be done, but, it will require parental supervision and for both parties to come to an agreement.
Let's get started.
#1 Establish clear cut rules. Sign a Parent child internet contract like the one found at www.theparentsedge.com/Contract.html. This will establish a set of rules to follow and consequences if those rules are broken.
#2 Install a filtering and logging software package. The filtering is to stop the basic inappropriate images and sites, set time limits, and to verify, if necessary, where someone has been online, etc. The logging software or "key logger" will be used to track conversations online at whatever intervals the parent decides. With the key logger, nothing gets typed without your knowledge. With the filtering, most porn is kept away and you have control of the computer.
#3 The single most important factor for your children to have a safe internet environment is parental involvement. I cannot say enough about how important this is. Even with all the tools listed here, if parents do not get involved then it's completely pointless. Parents, you will have to spend a little of your time each day to check out the site and review the logs. The intervals at which your check their internet usage are up to you. But, logging onto their MySpace account and reviewing it will give you a good idea about how things are going.
*note: I am assuming you already have virus protection installed. If not, you need to add that to the list, even if you don't allow MySpace usage.
Richard French Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_French |
