We have had internet for at least the last 5 years. During this time, I have not allowed Tanner to be on the computer. Partly because in our old tiny house, there was no room for the computer so it was in our bedroom. But mostly because I am scared to death of my kids being on the internet. There are so many predators out there just waiting to find their prey. I am sure most of you have heard of the website perverted justice. That is some scary stuff there.
I bit the bullet, and set the computer up so Tanner has his own account. I knew I had to allow him at some point, but it is hard. I will not allow him to have a password at this time, because I want to be able to check up on him. I have very mixed emotions about it though. I swore I would never spy or snoop through my kids things. However, I feel in this situation, I need too. I also tell myself that it is not really spying or snooping, if he knows that I will be checking what he has been doing from time to time. I have been tossing around the idea of getting one of those monitoring programs. I am still on the fence about it.
I made sure to tell Tanner about the dangers of internet, but I don't know how much good it did. He just stared at me blankly. I sometimes think he thinks I am making things up to scare him or something. Anyhow, he has been playing some online game where you can talk to other players and put "friends" on your friends list. He told me one girl said she was 14 and asked if he had a girlfriend. I asked him how he knew it was a 14 year old girl and not a 56 year old man? Again, just a blank stare. I think he may have rolled his eyes when I walked away though. :o)
I love technology as much as the next guy, but I also think its not always the greatest thing. Our grandparents would be overwhelmed by the changes today. They had to walk to school, uphill both ways in a snowstorm, with no shoes. I wonder what our grand kids will be telling their grand kids someday. Ouy!
Happy Tuesday!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
A 12 yr old & the internet
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7 comments:
I agree the internet is great but there are always drawbacks.
I would monitor my child on the internet too.
I think Tanner understands to a point but I am sure it is one of those "It will not happen to me" thing.
You are doing a good thing and should monitor his internet usage. I would do the same thing.
Marissa loves playing on the computer but lucky for me she just plays Nick Jr games and Sesame Street games. Can I keep her this age forever?
Touchy subject indeed. Let me know what works so I am prepared for when it happens to me. :)
Thanks Miah!
The internet can be a scary thing! Sounds like you are educating Tanner and even though it may seem like he's not listening..he probably will remember what you said to him and hopefully will think twice about some of the things on the internet.
I think monitoring him is a good thing. You shouldn't feel bad about doing that at all. I know lots of people who monitor their kids on the internet. Good luck :)
Have a great day!!
I think you're doing the right thing by checking what he's doing. It's not spying. If you tell him that you'll be checking, there is no spying going on.
I have the same fears.
Make sure to read Holly's blog from today too. Eeek!
This is a pretty clear cut topic for me. All a person has to do is watch Dateline NBC's to catch a predator and it takes a serious turn in a hurry! I agree with Kerrie, spying isn't the right word. You are just monitoring, big difference. Just remember these darn kids know more than we do!! About deleting history etc! So, I don't think a monitoring system is out of line. There are lots of wacko's out there - I know we can't protect our kids from everyone, but this internet thing is uncharted territory. We need to all be proactive in keeping tabs on it! In my opinion of course! LOL
Last week, I would has said, "What's the big deal?" I was playing on the internet unsupervised at 14 years old. That would have meant my sister was 12 when she started playing on the internet. No big deal...Well...then I find out about a guy friend who has been soliciting 14 year old girls on the internet for sex. So...I am changing my views on this subject. I haven't decided how I feel about it all, though. Let us know what you decide to do!
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