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Under intense scrutiny, some social networking websites are taking steps to ensure a safer online environment for our children.

MySpace, for instance, offers various safeguarding measures; an over/under blocking tool, younger users are automatically given a private profile-although age verification is difficult to enforce. MySpace will delete an account if a victim of MySpace identity theft will send a “salute”. Faux teachers’ accounts can be deleted, children can block users, and there are localized AMBER alerts as well. Many social networking sites have minimum age requirements and some allow parents to delete their child’s account without knowing the child’s password. MySpace will be releasing a free parental download called Zephyr. Here is how it will work:

Parents download Zephyr and install it on their home computer. Once installed, a parent will see the name, age and location their child published online, in a password protected file on their hard drive. Zephyr will identify any person who logs onto MySpace from that particular computer which would collect their information as well. In other words, if neighbor Sally comes over to your house and logs onto MySpace, you will see her information too. If a child changes his information, even from another computer, that updated information will be forwarded. You will not, however, be able to read emails or comments with this tool and children will be alerted that their information is being shared.

There is presently a similar online service available called MySpaceWatch. There are two versions, one is free. Registration is easy. http://www.myspacewatch.com

Something to consider; when parents are notified of their child’s online information, it may already be “too late”, as it is already published online.

Many advocate the use of parental controls, such as filters or key loggers. Although these tools may reassure parents, some may rely solely on these measures, giving a false sense of security. Remember, our children access the Internet from locations other than home.

I often suggest to parents and educators, to register on social networking sites themselves, in order to get a sense of the particular website and search for your children. There are, however, online tools that allow you to perform such a search WITHOUT having to register.

I would strongly recommend visiting and book-marking this particular site: http://www.wink.com.

Directions are simple: Instead of entering a user name(in case you don’t know it), enter “Your Town, IL”, click on “both sexes”, “MySpace”(or all), click on a particular age group(or “ALL”), then click SEARCH. In seconds, hundreds of profiles from “Your Town” will be viewable, unless set to Private. (Please note, some profiles may be disturbing)

Although children may be more computer savvy than adults may be, it is important to educate ourselves and stay informed. Please visit my Internet Safety resource specifically created for parents and educators http://InternetSafetyAdvisor.info.

While some subject matter may be uncomfortable to discuss with children, it is crucial we COMMUNICATE openly with them. It could save their lives! Talk, and listen. Ask questions, who do they talk to, why they like social networking, what would they do if they were faced with this or that? Go online with them; look at their profiles, read their comments. Set guidelines, time limits, create and sign a user contract between yourself and your children and post it on the computer (Some are available on my website). “Ego-surf”-Google your children as well as yourself. Keep the computer in a central location of your home, (if you have a wireless connection, take special care). Is there a camera on your computer(s)? It is critical we openly discuss potential online dangers so they are prepared and know what to do in order to stay safe online.

Next column; tips for children who use social networking sites.

TIP: Do you know your child’s user name, email address and password??

© 2007, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway