Myspace and YouTube - I MUST opine....

On Monday, I watched a very upsetting story about a young girl who, at 16, had obtained the funds and "know how" to purchase a passport and plane ticket to leave her home here in the US to Pakistan, and the home of the "man of her dreams", Abdullah. Being that Pakistan is currently considered a "hostile territory", it was no easy take to retun her to the US. However, at 18 she has left for Pakistan and to Mr. Al Wonderful yet again and NOW there is nothing anyone can do to compell her to return. And, if she is in danger, there is little to protect her. Then today I hear the very sad story of Megan Meier - a 13 year old who had fallen for her "Prince Charming" and carried on a "dream-like, fairytale computer romance" for almost a year - until Prince Charming went the other way and Megan, sadly commited suicide. The clincher? there was not even a "Prince Charming" - it was the neighbors down the street playing a MEAN joke the whole FRIGGIN time! What do these 2 awful stories have in common? Their genesis: Myspace, the megalopoluos that connects the average "joe" or "jane" to other average "joes" or "janes" or, if your lucky, famous people! With all kinds of fun surveys, glittery graphics, fun chatting, and the possibility of reinventing yourself (i.e.selling yourself to the masses) - the possibilities are endless - unfortunately! Now, in the spirit of fairness, I,do have a Myspace page as does Papa Witch. The difference between us Witches and these young victims? WE ARE ADULTS! We make choices on who to and not to consort with, we make the rules, and we know what's right and what is flying off it's rocker. A minor (any person who is not yet age 18) does NOT have such faculties - no matter how mature they may seem.....Their brains are still growing and their esteem is very vulnerable - most teens can be convinced of ANYTHING! Plus, they do not have the benefit and wisdom of life experience to guide them in the right direction! It's not their fault - they do not have the "brain power" yet....It's akin to sending my Wee Witch into Walmart with an empty shopping cart and a blank check in the toy aisles while I "monitor" from the book section a few paces away. Can she differentiate the difference between wise spending and impulse "Gimmies"??? NO - she's 7!!! Every toy in reach is a "must have"! I cannot imagine her sweet little mind thinking "well, I have so many Bratz already but fewer V-Tech educational toys so maybe I should look at those and play-doh is just to messy to buy in bulk....." HA! ADULTS MUST SET LIMITS AND BE ON THEIR MINOR CHARGES LIKE WHITE ON RICE! I don't care if it's parent/child, grandparent/grandchild, older sibling/younger sibling, etc....The adults must set limits. NO Myspace for children under 18 - if they want to talk, I'm sure they have a cell phone...If they must be on a computer, that's fine - WITH ADULT SUPERVISION RIGHT NEXT TO THEM - not on the easy chair watching the game!!! It's not Myspace's or any other sites' responsibility to watch YOUR child! Be nosy, pry, it's not your right it is your OBLIGATION! And for those of you who think it is so adorable to "little poopsie" on YouTube with her little pink dress on and little rosy cheeks doing "booty dances" - what the hell is wrong with you???? Where do you think child porn is bought and sold WORLDWIDE?!?!?!?! From people who makes these scumbags job so easy! ADULTS (yes, you, the over 18 one) WATCH YOUR youngins' actions - no Myspace, no FaceBook, No AIM or Yahoo 360, or MSN Profiles - they are children - what do they have to composite in a profile? And no more YouTube videos that are going to end up sold at a market in Singapore featuring your adorable little 4 year old pop-n-locking to some PERVERT! Take responsibility for your Wee ones!!! Just as Marilyn Manson did not compel the Columbine shootings of 1999, Myspace does not compel these henious acts to occur -irresponsible guardianship DOES! Myspace Graphics