Myspace and other community websites have been making the news lately due to the perceived danger of online predators.  While I personally believe the danger is exaggerated by the Main Stream News, the fact is, there is some danger as proven by a several recent rapes and abductions that were the result of teenagers meeting strangers through these websites.

A parent with common sense would take basic precautions with their child, especially since teenagers, as a rule, seem to lack basic common sense.  If it were up to me, I’d implement these rules:

1. No discussion of drug and alcohol abuse.
2. No discussion of sexual promiscuity.
3. No foul language
4. No exchanging messages with strangers or adding strangers as friends.
5. No posting or messaging personal information such as real name, address, or phone number.
6. No posting or messaging pictures where you are clearly identifiable.
7. Login and password will always be available to the parents.

These are “common sense” rules that are urged by law enforcement and online safety advocates.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 17th, 2006 at 9:25 am and is filed under Family Matters, Geek Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.