Kids and the internet.

Princess Ivy · 08-03-2006, 12:52 PM

kids are getting more computer literate all the time, which i think is great. we live in a world where knowing your way around a pc or network is always a plus. it can also be a terrific research tool, especially using the internet to help, and can help with socialization, to join up with communities like 'stardoll' and then there is the rainy afternoon factor, where it gives them something extra to do.
on the negative side, we all know that predators lurk unmollested by law and order all over the internet. yes, we can take steps to protect our spawn against them, but how safe is safe? content blockers as we all know only search out 'words', yes there are parent grouops which police certain sites, but then so many others are 'safe' but only supervised by moderation. as an adult i don't always feel safe online and i have experience and age in my favour.
what do you think of kids on the internet?

Alexa · 08-04-2006, 12:43 AM

I believe they should have access under supervision of their parents. You can find a lot of interesting thing on the net, including for kids. I found games and tales for kids and this is great. This is an incredible tool, if used properly. They have to be restricted on adult sites. Secondly, we have to be careful for their eyes. And their interest in real life. You may become addicted of net easily.

Leto · 08-14-2006, 03:54 PM

As for TV or for riding a bycycle, supervised by their parents at first.

Princess Ivy · 08-14-2006, 03:57 PM

not all the time? ime it is when they are first on that they are safe and careful, it is once they feel comfortable that they start doing stupid things, re- one kid that i know who started chatting to strangers on msn and aranged to meet with one of them. her parents didn't excersise strict supervision and she was very lucky not to be hurt!

Leto · 08-14-2006, 04:14 PM

By at first, I mean when they are young. They older they get, the more freedom they should have. You won'thave the same type of supervision for a 16 boy a soon to be adult, as you'll have for Zoe who'se much younger. But if you teach her now (for Lex he may be a bit young but who knows) to avoid bad behaviors and recognize risky website and posters, latter she'll be safe to browse on her own, once she'll be matured enough.

Princess Ivy · 08-14-2006, 04:17 PM

oh, i do. i keep an eye on her, have warned etc... this is more a question from hypothetical question. i have several friends who let their kids go unsupervised and wondered if i'm odd for being quite strict.

Leto · 08-14-2006, 04:24 PM

Nope, it's normal. And without being strict, she may enjoy you taking taking interest in her live, if you're not too nosy.

Princess Ivy · 08-14-2006, 04:41 PM

maybe once she has gotten past her teens,for now i get 'don't you trust me' 'you interfere' 'its not fair' and 'i hate you'

04-16-2007, 02:44 AM

Kids should be on the internet yes, but parents shouldn't be monitering their activity.

04-17-2007, 05:24 PM

If I had my way kids would have to pass a test to be allowed to use the internet. I know several parents of teens / tweens, and even ignoring their safety from the more nasty kinds of predators, they shouldn't be allowed to abuse their computers the way they do. I'm sick of them installing junk and getting virus infested or having their accounts hacked. Until kids understand basic precautions, I think constant supervision is the way to go.