What do you think about your teens using MySpace? Do you have any reasons? We did not want our 15 yr old using it, but in the last week I found out that he, against our wishes, signed up for an account and has been posting on it. He said he only allows kids he knows on his page. Now, the fact that he did it without our permission is something we have to deal with. We have reasons why we don't like MySpace, but I wanted to hear what you all think first. Thanks in advance!
The internet is the new social medium, telling a teenager they can't use MySpace or Friendster or the like is literally worse than not letting them use a phone. I've had two MySpaces, and I have to tell you ya gotta be careful. I got fired from my job because of my MySpace. I then made a video against that kind of censorship and I got that yanked off my profile. You have to watch your step with what you say and do on that kind of domain. Overall though there's nothing wrong with having one, as long as you don't post anything incriminating. Personally though I prefer forums, they don't sell out like MySpace did.
I think it can get kids into trouble. Many teens use to and give away too much info. I say it isn't a good thing. L
MySpace is not allowed here. Our ISP has it blocked from our computer so nobody can access it even if they tried. Even if most teenagers use MySpace, I still would not consider it for my child. It simply isn't safe. Patty
if you use all the safety features that they have there isnt to much to worry about. You can make the profile private which doesn't allow anyone to see the page without approval. you can have it so they have to know your last name and email to even send you a message. With these features only people that you and your child know personally can even see the page. I have one my kids don't cause they aren't of the age to care about it. When the time comes though I will allow it so long as I have all passwords and all the strict privacy rules are in effect.
My kids are only 12 and 10, they are not interested at all in myspace. We have talked very openly about the dangers of being online in general, but especially myspace. They also have a cousin who got in some big trouble on myspace and is now in prison. So, they are pretty anti -myspace now. I don't like it at all, but if your child is that interested in it, then I would really consider it with ground rules. Like you have to have the password and be able to get on his profile at anytime. Things like that. Open communication is key. I don't know if you are a spiritual person...my guess is you are given your screen name. Anyway, I just saw a book at our local christian bookstore about myspace. It looked pretty interesting and might be something that could help you make your decision.
MySpace is not a monster anymore than any social hang out is. I have an account on myspace, at the pleading of my teenaged cousin. I swore that no one that "I" know will be on there, but I was suprized. I found friends that I haven't seen in 20 years on there! It is amazing! There are homeschool moms and EVERY POP Christian musician and group that I know of is on myspace. It comes down to WHAT you do with it, no different than real life, internet forums or whatever. There are blocks YOU can put on your own page that include allowing NO ONE to see your page unless they know your name AND email address...(In that case they can't even request to be added as a friend unless they know you that well!) You can set it up to where people can see your myspace page, but NOT your photos, unless they are listed as a "Friend" (Which means they are Approved by you... like "In your club". It goes on.... But you get the point. Just as with forums and real life... DO not believe everything you read. Do not allow anyone into your home (Your myspace page) unless you know them. Do not click on any links you do not know. Do not give out personal information. Etc... So, it is NOT evil. It is just like a city street; there are evil people around, but MySpace it self does not make kids go bad. Now my kids, who are 7 and 4 are not on myspace, because it is for older kids. My teenaged cousin was too young for that site when she was 14, mostly because of how she was untrustworthy and immature and ignorant of the safety measures. (Other 14 year olds may be different, of course) but now at 17, it is different. She personally, is more mature. And has shown it, so there ya go. If all else fails, make your OWN account and see for yourself how it works..... Then you will understand what we mean by it being no different than any other internet site as far as security. It is just the issue of using common sense, just as anywhere else.
Well it's all whatever is best for whomever. Some people go into bars, some don't. Some go to church, some don't Some play golf, some don't. And so on.... But I just did not want people denying their older kids, or themselves for that matter, the opportunity to check it out, just on fear alone. Anyway, whatever works for your family, of course.
Just for grins, here is my MySpace page... http://www.myspace.com/jennifererix I have decided to share my age and general location, this has not proved to be a problem with anything, and has helped old friends find me. (Yes, I know some spammers pretend to be old friends, but can they answer who my highschool crush was? Nope! hahaa! I also get to pick which, if any photo is shown. But as you can see, you have to be approved by me (Be accepted as one of my "Friends") to actually see my profile..... Anyway, thought I would share.... Anyone else who has a myspace, send me a friend request through myspace. Pop me a note in the "Send a message" to let me know you are from Homeschool spot.
Even with all the controls on a person's account, can a person still search other people's myspace pages or can they be blocked from reading everything except their own myspace? I know there is alot of vulgarity that I would worry about Ems reading more then I would worry about some pervert trying to pick her up. Patty
Right. You are right, you cannot block what YOU or YOUR child may read about someone else. Good point. Which is why I was saying it is for older kids, depending upon the families definition of more mature and the child themself, some children are more mature than others at the same age. So, no, you cannot block what your child would see on someone else's account.
Vulgarity doesn't even begin to describe what some of that stuff is. I get about 5 invites a day from porn sites in my friends box. Looking at other profiles is really hit and miss too, you might as well be looking on craigslist. I've found it incredibly useful though for entertainment and grandstanding my ideas however ludicrous, insulting, or downright stupid they may be. I also use it to vent about my days, and people actually read what I say. I think that's the real reason MySpace was created, god bless the internet.
Thank you for all your responses. I'll be back to add my .02, but right now I have to go have dinner!
There is a setting that you can block ALL invites. Meaning, No One can send You an invite.. I did not know if you knew that, I may have misunderstood..... (Happens more than i like to admit.. hahaha!) Anyway, yes it is not for young children, yes I like finding my grown up friends there, and yes, it is not for everyone.
I also have a myspace. I use it to keep in contact with family and friends. there is a lot of content on myspace that really should not be there and you do get a lot of invites from some really strange and creepy people, but as mentioned you can block most everything and set your profile as private. it is more of a personal call.
Thanks again for all your responses! We haven't had to deal much with anything about the internet until this year. Ds (15) likes to go on a Christian music site, and we have google talk so he can talk to friends. We only became really aware of MySpace in the last few months when my niece started having problems due to some of the people she met on MySpace. I've heard different things about s. predators, vulgar language, and p*rn on that site. I know about the blocks and all that. I'm still not comfortable with my kids having access. Right now, temporarily, our family is staying with family members while my husband is out in the western US taking a course. My son is staying with my folks just down the street from where my dd and I are staying. So I don't like not knowing what sites he's visiting and how much time he spends on the computer. So basically, no My Space. He didn't sign up for it until we were here with my family. I'll add more later......thanks again!
