[MineralMan]

"Is everything on Myspace.com posted in public? I mean, is there a private chat space on it too....Unbeknownst to my step-grand daughter, (and her mother, and her grandmother) I've been monitoring her site, but wondering about a "back" site....other than email, of course."

---

MySpace has lots of options. Users can restrict contact to only a list of their friends, or they can have open listings.

One thing to be aware of, though: It's marvelously easy to open new accounts on MySpace. Many kids have more than one account. In some cases, there's one for snoopy parents and step-grandparents, and another one for other contacts.

MySpace can be accessed at any internet-connected computer, so libraries, schools, and friends' homes are also points where kids can use MySpace.

The bottom line is that youngsters will do what they will do. It's almost impossible to keep them from doing what they want to do, unless you control their every moment.

So, what you really have to do is teach them well, raise them to do the right things, and trust that you have done a good job. More than that, you cannot do.

Many parents think they've solved the problem by moving the computer into the living room or not allowing internet access on home computers. Well..that just sends the kids who want access to other internet access points. That trick never works.

The preacher's daughter has always been able to sneak out at night. The teenaged son of the mayor has always been able to meet his friends and drink beer.

It's a matter of how kids are raised and taught. It's not a matter of MySpace being available.

[goodnesswins]

Thanks.....I figure there's always away AROUND parents anyway.....and YES, raising them RIGHT is BEST!

[ndt]

"It's almost impossible to keep them from doing what they want to do, unless you control their every moment.

So, what you really have to do is teach them well, raise them to do the right things, and trust that you have done a good job."

Amazing that an idea so basic eludes so many.

[AnnoyedOne]

I agree. Those who want some sort of "regulating" of this are people who are too lazy to properly parent their child and want Big Brother to do the job for them.

Concerned about what your kid is doing while using his/her computer? The three computers in my home are in my office, the living room, and the kitchen. No computer in the kid's room... nor television, xbox, or such stuff. Who says such things must be in a kid's room rather than in the living room where parents can keep an eye on whats happening? I will tell ya who does... parents who would prefer the kids disappear into the bedroom, or wander around town... and who do not really give a damn what their kids do so long as the kids do not disturb them. They want televisions, video games, and the internet to be the babysitter of their kids, and want Big Brother to be responsible for their kids upbringing... so that they can sit on their asses and not be disturbed when watching "Desperate Housewives" or the Super Bowl.

[sweet_diane]

"So, what you really have to do is teach them well, raise them to do the right things, and trust that you have done a good job. More than that, you cannot do. "

Such a good line I thought it deserved another post!