Measured MySpace Advice for Parents

I know I've been on a MySpace kick, but I came across a pretty compelling Cnet interview with Larry Magid, co-founder of Blogsafety, about MySpace, and it is definitely worth passing along.

Magid takes a measured and realistic approach to helping parents figure out how to deal their kids using MySpace.

Magid via Cnet: In most cases, kids are perfectly safe maintaining a profile on MySpace or another social network. Parents shouldn't worry so much as take the time to talk with kids about how they're using MySpace and other social networks, he said. Ideally, parents should review kids' profiles for inappropriate information or material.

"It's like riding a bike or using a kitchen knife: When used properly, it's terrific; but if used careless or maliciously, there could be problems," Magid said.

But he...

... reminds parents that the material a child posts on a MySpace page or blog may be impossible to delete and easy to find for a very long time.

... warns parents to pay close attention to kids who are feeling vulnerable, lonely, and are socially withdrawn because they may turn to the Internet for connections missing in their personal lives.

... shows you how to make your kid's MySpace profile private: In the Hello box to the right of the photo, click Account Settings. Scroll down to Privacy Settings and click Change Settings link. Scroll down to the bottom of the list of options and, under Who Can View My Profile, place a check mark next to My Friends Only.

The article is extra timely as MySpace struggles to figure out if and how to verify the ages of members. Read it. And when I get my hands on the upcoming book Magid has co-authored with Anne Collier, "MySpace Unraveled: What It Is and How to Use It Safely," I'll pass on some more of their wisdom.