Jump into your kids' MySpace; you'll learn a lot
Sam Faircloth
Date published: 3/31/2006
I believe the Web site MySpace, which seems to be gaining both popularity with teens and criticism from parents and the media, is not at all a negative influence on our children's lives ["MySpace cadets," March 19].
I have two teens of my own, and my wife and I monitor their MySpace sites regularly.
By embracing the unknown, my wife and I have the opportunity to look into our children's lives from a point that our parents never had. I can see who their closest friends are, as well as enemies. I know when things are going well in school, as well as when things are getting tough.
By following their extended friends network, we gain a wealth of information. This is where most people have a problem with the Web site.
I agree that it is a problem if you don't follow through on the information you receive. By that, I mean you have to talk with your children about what you have seen.
If you find something you're uncomfortable with, have them remove it. Talk to them about it.
Explain consequences for things said and done, and things left unsaid.
Teach them how to be discreet. Teach them that once they've put something out there either in print or online, it has lasting effects.
Tell them about the predators on the Internet, and make them aware of what could happen.
Perhaps if we had had the Internet when we were younger, we wouldn't have the problems with identity theft that plagues the adult community today.
My children know that I'm watching, and now the predators know that I'm watching them, too.
The Internet is not going to go away. It's here to stay, and growing by the day. Embrace it, and use it to your advantage.
Sam Faircloth
Spotsylvania
Date published: 3/31/2006
Date published: 3/31/2006
I believe the Web site MySpace, which seems to be gaining both popularity with teens and criticism from parents and the media, is not at all a negative influence on our children's lives ["MySpace cadets," March 19].
I have two teens of my own, and my wife and I monitor their MySpace sites regularly.
By embracing the unknown, my wife and I have the opportunity to look into our children's lives from a point that our parents never had. I can see who their closest friends are, as well as enemies. I know when things are going well in school, as well as when things are getting tough.
By following their extended friends network, we gain a wealth of information. This is where most people have a problem with the Web site.
I agree that it is a problem if you don't follow through on the information you receive. By that, I mean you have to talk with your children about what you have seen.
If you find something you're uncomfortable with, have them remove it. Talk to them about it.
Explain consequences for things said and done, and things left unsaid.
Teach them how to be discreet. Teach them that once they've put something out there either in print or online, it has lasting effects.
Tell them about the predators on the Internet, and make them aware of what could happen.
Perhaps if we had had the Internet when we were younger, we wouldn't have the problems with identity theft that plagues the adult community today.
My children know that I'm watching, and now the predators know that I'm watching them, too.
The Internet is not going to go away. It's here to stay, and growing by the day. Embrace it, and use it to your advantage.
Sam Faircloth
Spotsylvania
Date published: 3/31/2006
posted by idtics at 9:21 PM
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