When (or until when )can you allow your child private/unguarded access to a computer (w/ internet connection)?

Question

Thanks for answering!

Answer 1

you don't really need to watch them constantly just check in regularly. maybe just see what they're doing every 10 or 15 minutes check what sites they're on see who they're talking to. set guidlines make sure they understand why you set them don't just say because im the parent this is very frusterating for kids. tell them not to go on chatrooms because they are filled with people they don't know that could be stalkers pedophiles, ect. and check the history to see what they've been doing

Answer 2

I would say never. There is too much on line, too much temptation. All it takes is friend sending an e-mail with a pic. or link. Even a message with "check this out" and your child has seen something they shouldn't. Maybe they are doing school work and see a link implying one thing, but goes to something inapropriate.
Always leave the computer with internet access in the room the family uses the most. For us it is the living room, positioned so it can be seen from 3/4 of the room. This keeps everyone honest.
Install soft ware to filter the net. Net Nanny is good, and so is Safe Eyes, I believe this is the one the church uses. Angel Eyes will report all the web sites visited to you, and anyone else you designate, that have been visited. It will also notify you if your filter is by-passed or turned off and a restricted site is being viewed. These alerts can be sent to your cell phone via e-mail if you wish to give your child some freedom from you looking over their shoulder.

Answer 3

That is really a question that only you (the parent I'm assuming) can decide. There is no village with set rules for different age groups. Every child is different and the best thing to do is watch and monitor their responsibly with the computer and other things. This will help you develop a plan for their limits. If you are looking for a good piece of software that can help monitor computer time, take a look at http://www.childtimer.com

Answer 4

Honestly hon,
Teenagers can be trusted some,but their hormones cannot be trusted EVER, and unfortunately you cannot separate the 2.
I would NOT allow them internet access unless I were in the room with them and watching over their shoulder.When they turn 18 they can do WHATEVER they like once they move out.Until then,YOU are responsible for them if they make plans to elope or run off and shack up with some punk druggie over the internet.Or if they decide to show off naked for the "web cam".

Answer 5

Not until, they are no longer a child. There are to many sickos out there to ever consider letting a child have access online that isn't monitored.

Answer 6

Never. They need to be in your presence at all times. There is way too much too easy to get into on these things.

Answer 7

uh like 7 or 8???