Myspace's New Detectives

There has been a lot of police activity surrounding Myspace and the ability to solve crimes inside it's community of "friends". Taylor Behl was the most prominant victim whose ties to Myspace helped capture her killer. Over the weekend, Colorado police apprehended rape and robbery suspects through the victims "friends" list.

I have seen a growing trend among parents in an effort to safeguard their children. They become members of Myspace with profiles on their children's friends list. I have one as do several of the parents of their friend and my children's youth directors as well. I opted for the parental supervision angle after the Taylor Behl murder explaining internet safety to my kids. I allow them their personal conversations and bulletins. I monitor them from time to time and only see the occasional offensive bulletin now and then.

The key here is that we talk about "social networking" openly. We praise it's ability to connect people together. My daughter has made contacted with many of her school friends from Minnesota and it has been good for her that way. But we also talk about the dangers. And the most important rule is NO real life meeting outside of Myspace. If you did not know them before Myspace you cannot know their motives for being your friend.

Here is a great article...similar to my story with some great tips of safety. I didn't make an alias but was upfront right away. When my kids went online with their profiles, I asked them to add me and told them why. I visit them and leave goofy comments and things, and the funny thing is...they appreciate it.

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