Myspace's popularity amongst kids, is no doubt alarming to many parents, well at least to those who understand the potential dangers involved with it's use. Many parents block myspace and any other sites they feel are inappropriate and think that the problem is solved. Unfortunately though, blocking these web sites may not be enough.

Technologically speaking, many kids are more computer savvy than their parents. Kids are learning how to use computers in kindergarten, so it's not surprising. It's our responsibility to educate ourselves, and make sure our kids remain safe, and that includes keeping them safe on the internet. So how do kids go to myspace when you have blocked the web site? It's called a myspace proxy. A proxy allows users to access a web site indirectly, therefore bypassing the block. They are still on myspace, just under another web site name.

My kid wouldn't know how to do that

Don't think your kid knows enough to use a myspace proxy? The word proxy sounds techie and complicated, but it truly is not. It's easy, and I've seen banners on myspace advertising them. There are web sites everywhere advertising slogans like "unblock myspace from home or school", and it's as simple as clicking on these web sites and typing in www.myspace.com. Go ahead and type myspace proxy here at hub pages, and you'll see the numerous hubs on the subject. These proxies will work for any blocked web site, and they are always changing. So even if you block the proxy, they are constantly changing to stay one step ahead.

This is only one of the ways the blocks can be bypassed. There are some more advanced ways, which are easily being taught on YouTube. The list is endless. The more people try to block these web sites at home, at the office and at school, the more innovative they become.

Myspace Safety

Some parents are okay with MySpace, and I know it can be a lot of fun. However there are so many predators and sick people out there on MySpace which can easily be concealed by false identities. Yes, people say that we are just being paranoid, but hey after the research I have done and the experience I've had with MySpace, I believe we have every right to be, and every obligation as a parent to be proactive. Many kids don't realize the magnitude of releasing any type of personal information, photos, etc. Although profiles are set to private, there are ways for people to access this information. YouTube again is wonderful enough to educate people on how to do this. I guess the bottom line is this, if you are going to allow your kids to be on MySpace, please make sure you are educated and that you educate your kids on internet safety. Here is a great hub I found regarding myspace safety:

Keeping Your Kids Safe on MySpace By barnabybear

In addition to that, there are some great software programs out there to keep you kids safe on the internet. I would encourage any parent to look into installing some security protections on your computers, in addition to educating your children on the importance of internet safety.