Las Vegas NowParents Get MySpace Safety Training

Parents Get MySpace Safety Training

One of the most popular networking websites can also be a haven for child predators. A recent survey found 71-percent of teens have an online profile. Many use MySpace, where they can talk about themselves, post pictures and meet new people. That leaves them vulnerable.

Wednesday night, parents learned how they make MySpace safer for their kids.

"I think that it's important for us all to be aware. That's the key to help keep kids safe," said parent Stephanie Call.

To learn more about how to keep kids safe online, it's back to school for parents.

"I just want to get a little more information because I know my son is smarter than me when it comes to that," said parent Chirsta Casillas.

The parents are learning how to use MySpace, hoping becoming tech savvy will keep their kids safe.

"You have to be involved. You have to know what they are doing or you are to blame," said Casillas.

Instructors at the Learning Center have been teaching parent how to block the online stranger danger.

"It can be hurtful. It can be dangerous," said Cadwallader Middle School Principal Kathryn Singer. She decided to teach parents after finding out many of her students were on MySpace sharing personal information without their parent's knowledge.

"We are just trying to keep up with that tech and we know that parents don't always have the resources for them to check on their children to see what it is they are doing," she said.

The FBI says in 2006, 37-percent of all their cyber investigations involved online child pornography or child sexual exploitation. Those alarming stats are why parents like Casillas say internet safety is a must.

"I feel like I need to trust my kid and teach my kid what not to do, whom not to let in, what are the dangers," she said.

In January, MySpace and the Nevada Attorney General started a task force to develop safeguards to protect kids online.

Email your comments to Reporter Travell Eiland