SHOULD PARENTS MONITOR THEIR KIDS ONLINE? A million-dollar question…this article in the NYTimes profiles a couple of families who monitor their kids, sometimes using software like
net nanny
If so, should they let their kids know they are doing it?
Should they have their passwords?
“Friend them?”
Use “spy” software?
Here are some ideas parents have shared with me:
• Computer in a public spot (no laptops or computers in bedrooms).
• Making sure kids feel safe talking with parents about what they are doing/seeing/experiencing.
• Making password sharing w/ parents a condition of use.
• Relying on friends and family members to “friend” their child and keep an eye on things.
• Reminding kids that they can do whatever they want when they buy their OWN computer.
Please share your thoughts…
I think this article raises important questions—For example, in the case of the young woman in the article who claims to feel safer because her parents monitor her…How might parents mentor kids to feel safe online more independently?
