The Internet and cyberspace have revolutionized the way we communicate.

Myspace, Facebook and other social networking sites put us in touch with people across the world--instantly.

Such access can also bring danger around every corner

When it comes to computers, teenagers today are the experts and parents seem to be the ones left racing to catch up.

Jackie Meshell has two Myspace accounts, one for friends and one for life after high school.

"I found a lot of people that are at the university that are in my field, Jackie Meshell said. “I'm talking to them about the programs.

Jackie has even found a job using her Myspace. When it comes to seventh-grader Jared Smith, it's all about social time with friends.

"I can just go right there and just you know talk to them there and that way it's still a way to connect even though we're not physically there," Jared said.

May seem harmless enough, but Reese Davis with the Killeen Police Department has a word of warning.

"Tell them just up front about the predators that are out there,” Davis says. “You need to sit down and discuss the pros and cons of such websites."

Based on the number of unique users, Myspace could be considered the eighth largest city in the world.

At first Jackie kept her accounts secret, but eventually let the cat out of the bag.

"I was really concerned about her privacy being open to things,” her mother Nancy Meshell said. “Mostly her peer group."

Davis says the wrong friends; pictures or putting too much information on a sight can lead predators strait to you. Something to remember when you child is logged is making sure they're out in the open.

"Usually we have a lap top and he uses it in the middle of the house, somewhere we're all at," Jared’s mother Debbie Smith said.

Curious herself, Debbie now has her own Myspace and Facebook accounts, used mainly to stay in touch with family and friends who don't live close by.

Both she and Nancy Meshell, monitor what their children put out in cyber space and whom they talk with, walking a fine line between giving space and invading it.

"You have to have open communication,” Nancy says. “Yes you have to trust them, but it's finding a balance like in anything with teenagers."

As computers today are very much a tool, needing training, safety and monitoring.

"Myspace is one of those things that is a communication device, but so is email, so is IM, Jackie said. “You should just be careful who you talk to and what you say to them,” because what you put out there, may come back to haunt you.

"It may end up costing them the opportunity to go to a school of their choice or it may end up costing them a career they want to get in to," Davis said.