Subscribe to FeedI’m a MySpace Parent
by Jeff RosenbergOne of the benefits of being Facebook and MySpace literate is I don’t cringe when my 13-year-old son opens a MySpace account, and launches his page. Instead, I realize it’s as natural a communication vehicle for youth today as is the telephone. And I teach, and set rules.
I explained safety, and made sure he understands that nothing goes on there that he wouldn’t want his principal, priest, or parents to see. I tell him about people who didn’t get a job because a would-be employer looked at their MySpace page. I tell him nothing negative about anybody or group ever goes on his page. And I tell him I have to have his user name and password, that I will be visiting his page, including private sections, frequently.
The other night, we sat and went through his entire page. To his credit, he didn’t see this as invasive or overly restrictive (like I care, if he did!). He really saw it as a chance to learn — maybe it’s because his Dad is a blogger, with his own Facebook and MySpace pages.
Oh, and how cool is this? In his profile, under heroes, he listed, “Dad.” Of course, he explained, “well I had to enter something!”
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I read those first few lines with some concern because I dont’ have a 13-year-old yet and am not MySpace literate. But sounds like you’re handling it well and offering some good advice for parents who haven’t yet thought about the subject.
Comment by Phil — December 18, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
Thanks, Phil. It can feel overwhelming, keeping up with everything going on in kids’ lives these days. Sometimes I wish we could ignore all these things — MySpace, text messaging, etc. It certainly would be easier. But we just can’t. The fascinating thing is, kids really appreciate it. I think it makes them feel safe knowing their parents are involved and looking over their shoulders (sometimes up close, sometimes from afar).
Comment by Jeff Rosenberg — December 19, 2007 @ 8:47 am
Jeff after meeting you on Tuesday and now finding a moment to read your blog I see my 13 yr old is “normal”. Although she hasn’t gotten into facebook, she HAD a myspace page..keyword.. HAD although I preached the safety and appropriate content, I couldn’t control those who contacted her from her schooloutside of setting her profile to private and blocking certain users which led to MA.. the kids at school are mad at me because you blocked them from my myspace..
so to avoid that hassle, I deleted her page. I’m going to let my daughter read this post so she knows I’m not being overly protective and I’m not the meanest mom in the world!
Thanks!
Comment by Teresa G — January 10, 2008 @ 4:22 pm