Internet Friends

I don't have a problem with my kids socializing on the net via myspace or games. But I monitor everything coming in and going out. I know every acct name and password they have, and anyone added to their myspace (other than a fansite) I know personally. I keep them set on private for a reason! I also have very strict rules about the amount of time (1 hour) they get and I must be in the room with them.


They play outside they go to public school so I believe they get plenty of non-net time to be with their friends and do all the normal kid things we all did as kids.

I have a little girl, 5, and she will be able to the internet things...to a certain degree. I've thought a lot on this topic and have come to the conclusion that if it's monitored properly, can't be a huge problem. As long as she is active without outdoors activities and has a group of friends outside of www-land, I won't see a problem with it. Little bugger already has a email account too. haha.

Those limits and rules sound good, Sin. Maybe I just don't want my kids to be a nerd like me.

speaking of little girls...my younger sister(she's 12) asked me a couple of months ago if she can make her own myspace (me and my other younger sis have one) and im like..."uh no, until you're older". i dont want her to be that young and already letting myspace and internet run her life and talking to guys that are like 10+ years older than she is.

Thought I should put my personal response in seeing as I asked you lot for yours! :P

I spend a lot of time on the Internet. If im in the house you can nearly guarantee I have been on the net for atleast an hour per night. Although at the weekends if people are going to the cinema or somewhere I would go there. During the summer I would be golfing everyday, just like some people swim everyday, or play baseball everyday. Theres advantages and disadvantages for both reasons, although both are linked. Online, however, you can really protect younger people by using parental controls such as private accounts, blocking certain sites, and so on.

Its really a two-sided issue and you probably cant come to an agreement on one side. I know I would be in your shoes with kids of my own.

Thanks so far for all of the response... it will definitley help with my exam and its appreciated!!

I dont have any kids,but i think to a degree it is ok,aslong as their chats on the net are supervised and aslong as they dont meet up in person too soon after meeting,and that the other childs parents are ok with everything too.
it can be good for kids,but it can be bad too.
i myself have met people off the net but not untill i really knew who the person was.some of my best friends i met on the net.
it can be good and it can be a way of the child getting out of the house and learning new things with new people.

I think is just fine, to a point. If a child is spending all thier time online or does not have many real-life friends, then that is a problem, but the internet is a great place to talk with people from all walks of life. And for children that are not exposed to different cultures in real life can do so through the internet. I've talked to people from all over the world.

Its a great experience, but parents need to be watchful because there are some nasty people on there and too much internet usage can lead to internet addiction (like me... :rolleyes: ) My parents never limited my internet usage and now I am online anywhere from 3-8 hours a day. I have a few online friends who I talk to often. No harm comes of it, and I do get out and socialize in real life. Its a good balance....minus the hours and hours online. :)