MySpace Safety
1. Your profile is public. DO NOT post private info., such as your address, phone number, last name, or anything specific that might let others know where to find you.

2. It’s very easy to mislead you on the Internet. Predators use the Internet because it is easy to appear to be someone that they are not. It doesn’t matter if you see a picture of that person, it may not be them. Never assume others online are who they say they are.

3. Don’t lie about your age. Myspace will delete your profile immediately. Predators will mislead kids into thinking they are younger then they really are. And kids who lie that they are older then they really are, are putting themselves at risk for becoming a victim. .

4. Make sure to report any unwanted harassment, attention or anything suspicious right away. Due to the large amount of users, MySpace cannot monitor everything they should. So report it and bring it to their attention.

5. Any stranger you talk to on the Internet is just that, a stranger! Information you give to them may be enough to help them find out where you are. Never provide personal information, even if you think is harmless.

6. Those who are a lot older who want to be friends, ask yourself why. Why would this person want to be friends with someone your age? Most adults won’t go out of their way on the Internet to make friends with kids. So think before you add much older friends.

Tips for Parents
1. If you are going to allow your kids to use these type of sites, then it is a good idea to talk and inform them about the possible dangers.

2. Let your kids know about predators and the ways they try to gain trust. It’s very important to talk to your kids before they go out on their own, and most kids just don’t know how to be safe on the Internet.

3. Tell them what shouldn’t be divulged, such as personal information, and certain pictures. Remind them, unless their profile is private, ANYONE, can see their profile, and the content in it.

4. Remind them to be truthful about their age when on MySpace. If your child is under 14 and is using the site, this is against the rules and MySpace will have their account deleted. This rule is to help keep kids safe.

Useful Websites You Should Know
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
http://www.missingkids.com

• The Cyber Tipline was founded in 1998 to help find missing children. Because of a law passed in 1999, internet service providers are required to report any child exploitation or pornography directly to this tipline. www.cybertipline.com

• Obscene material sent to a child may be reported to www.obscenitycrimes.org

• Misleading Domain name may be reported to www.obscenitycrimes.org

• National Sex Offender Registry. This site allows you to search for known sex offenders. www.nsopr.gov

Additional Internet Safety Resources:
• Netsmartz.org
• SafeTeens.com
• WebWiseKids.org
• Getnetwise.com
• Wiredsafety.org

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The Internet can be a vastly positive experience when we all use our knowledge and use common sense. Follow these trusted guidelines above and be sure to search out other methods from well trusted sources.

SecuritySaint.com is very concerned with Internet crime. We strive to constantly research proven and effective methods to protect children, families and households.