my girl is 9 and she has an email address, she is starting using MSN.?

Question

should i keep an eye on what she is writing or she has the right as i do, to have her own privacy? isn't she too young to start chatting? her best friend is one year older than her and she is learning from her. she is a very good friend, i trust her...but the idea of chatting from this age...????????????????/

Answer 1

You should have access to her email account and keep an eye on her. You can also limit the people she emails or chats with by allowing her to add only people you trust to her contacts.

Also teach her what to look out for on the Internet and in unsolicited emails. Make sure she knows of the dangers.

Here is a website you can check out:
http://www.bewebaware.ca/english/default.aspx

Answer 2

You may trust her, but don't be stupid. Children are smart, but not wise.

Talk to your little girl about the usage. Ask her if she has any questions. Answer them in the best way you know how.

Now... set some ground rules for the internet. If you find out she IS using a chatting service, tell her she is only allowed to have people YOU know on the contacts list. (You can set the service so your girl won't be able to accept non-friend/family requests). You can even have all conversations saved.

Now that you've set the ground rules, set some consequences for misuse.

Then.... keep your eye on the conversations and who she is talking to. If she is abusing the service, stand by your rules. If she is proving herself honorable in this area, give her some more space. However, it's your job to keep your child safe.

Good luck, our kids are precious!

Answer 3

In my Norton Virus and Security, I have an option for Parental Control. I don't use this because my kids are older.
I do have an Internet option, to block web sites from my youngest who is 16 years old. I check his history every day to see what sites he is going to. If I don't like it, I add it to the Restricted Sites.
I only know a little about this blocking, I have learned by reading others answers on questions in the Computer and Security categories, or where ever I have a problem I look in that category in Yahoo! Answers. I would type my question in the search area to see if it has been answered by Computer Experts.

Answer 4

I hope when you say my girl you are referring to a child of yours, which I am sure you are. I do think that it is too young for a child to go unsupervised on line. I think you should monitor where she is going and what she is doing/saying to others on line. I know your daughter, God I hope it is your daughter, may not like it but you should tell her that you will be monitoring exactly what she does on line. Not because you want to invade her privacy, which at the age of 9 she shouldn't require that much of, but too protect her. Yes, she will not understand that now but I am sure she will grow up someday and appreciate that you cared enough to do it. These days there are too many childhood predators and other ways for youths to get into serious trouble online. You as the adult are responsible for their safety even online. Raising a child is difficult, especially these days, so good luck and take care.

Answer 5

Well you have to talk to your daugther. I mean When I was little ,about 7 years old I would sneak up to the computer and go on ICQ ( I dont even know if they still ahve that) well I met some people, but I never shared my personal info, but I know some kids do that.

Well, your daughter needs a talk tell her that you are concered about her talking to strangers, tell her to only speak to her friends that she actually knows online. Also tell her NEVER to send a picture on line or her adress and or real name phone and personal messeges. Tell her that if some one that she doesnt know keeps messeging her to tell you. You have to trust her, but every so often just be like so hunny is that your friend from school, just to have an idea of what she is doing.

Answer 6

You are the parent and you're in charge. Yes, it's very questionable whether to allow a 9 yr-old to use online chat. You have every right to tell her no. She has a right to limited privacy, but you have the right and responsibility to protect her.

Answer 7

i think 9 is a little young to be using msn...i didnt start using it until i was 11 or 12, and people who you dont know can add you...(they get it off a friends friends friend etc..) but then again you can block and delete them if you dont want to talk to them...i think at age 9, it is ok to keep an eye on who she is talking to...

Answer 8

She is a child so you need to keep a very close eye on her. The internet is a very dangerous place. Many kids are roped into things though they are generally good kids. Better safe than sorry.

Answer 9

keep close watch on her. It is not the same world and children need rules. You are a parent not a friend. Password is a must and check mail including deleted often. If she is not doing anything wrong it won't be a big deal.

Answer 10

Let her know that she is not allowed to use the comp unless you are able to keep track of what she is doing. At this age, she does NOT have the right to this extent of privacy. She is unaware of the dangers.