feastie
Posts: 1793
Joined: 6/4/2004 Status: offline
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My children, currently 14 and 11, are allowed access to the internet which is appropiate for their ages. They've only this year gotten a laptop, which they share. They are allowed to use it in the family rooms or in my room with me, but they are not allowed to use it behind a closed door. They are not allowed email, instant message or chat. There is no webcam in the house. I do not view other people's webcams. I often look over their shoulder to see what they're doing. We have the child security service and they are not "geeks" and haven't a clue how to bypass it. Their computer time is limited. They have subscriptions to www.studyisland.com and to www.cosmeo.com. My daughter spends her time either on a doll making site, or looking up art images. (she is becoming quite the little artist). My son plays games on Nick (with my supervision) or he gets his sister to search out sites about the games they enjoy. They feel so lucky to even have the computer that they don't attempt to break the rules, as they know it will become my computer, even temporarily. The thing that struck me in reading Justin's story, the thing that kept repeating in my mind is, "What is wrong with his mother?" She should have said no to a computer in his room. She should have said no to a webcam. She should have said no flying off to a "convention." The father should be brought up on charges. (Flaying would be better, but it's not allowed). Anyone else wonder why he's in Mexico? Kids DO get in trouble, kids DO things that aren't good for them. They're kids. That's why they need age appropriate limits. The most valuable advice my father has ever given me..."Know where your kids are and who they're with, all the time." I most definitely practice this advice, faithfully.
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Snarky and loving it. Disclaimer: Any views expressed in any post are my opinions only. They may or may not be yours.
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