This video made some interesting points about online safety. It mentioned that parents are the first line of defense. They should make sure that they do "walk-bys" and establish rules. They also mentioned that it's actually a good idea to install spyware and monitor kid's activities online.
They mentioned that if you tell them that you will be monitoring it is no longer spying. As soon as you mention that you will be doing it, it's enough to deter a lot of teens and kids from doing that risky behavior.
Do you think this is going too far? Should it be a last resort and only happen if you have a reason not to trust them? Is it something that works or will kids still be able to hide their activity?
Hey Lauralee, I was unable to get the clip to work. However, I do find this a fascinating topic. I think as far as monitoring what we use on the internet is a good idea for everyone. Spying however is something I would like to avoid. I am certain no one likes being spied on, especially teenagers. An alternative solution could be to talk to your teens about what is acceptable and what is not. Also it is a good idea to have excellent software that would filter the internet in a way that everyone who uses the computer feels safe.
ReplyDeleteThe video is also available at this link if you would like to watch it.
ReplyDeleteI think that monitoring what your children do online is essential. More importantly, I think that explaining to your children that you will be monitoring their use of the internet is essential. Especially those who believe in an omniscient being who sees even the finest details of our actions, however secretive we might seek to be, should not have difficulty explaining to their children the importance of monitoring and the capacity to monitor. If children know that they are being monitored, they will be far less inclined to participate in inappropriate or risky activities on the internet.
That said, monitoring is a family affair. The capacity to monitor online behavior should be a tool that parents use to train their children to make good choices on their own. Monitoring belongs in the home, and the capacity to monitor should not be carried over into other realms.
I agree that this is a great topic and for once I actually agree with Mark that monitoring of internet use is a parents responsibility. With that being said I do think government and educational entities can help provide parents with information and education about what is actually happening online (such as cyberbullying, sexting, etc) as most children are far more tech savvy then their parents. I also agree that schools have a right to limit what students have access to online, though in my teaching experience most students know how to get past this pretty easily.
ReplyDeleteA great resource for parents and kids can be commonsensemedia.org. They provide pretty non biased reviews on just about every type of media out there.
Another good resource if you are interested in this topic is the PBS series Frontline. They did an episode called "Growing Up Online" and it is excellent with lots of food for thought!
I also agree with both Mark and Jen that the relationship has to come first between parents and children when it comes to setting limits about online use. If you have an open and trusting relationship than you are likely to have little issue with monitoring. If you don't it doesn't matter how much you monitor your children will find a way around it.
I actually did a report on the sexual abuse of minors over the internet. One of the most interesting things I learned was that parents really have next to no idea about what their children are doing on the internet or where they are getting it. Hopefully that will have improved by now, but I think there still is quite a disconnect. As to whether parents should know what their children are doing on the internet, I would most definitely agree. I am reminded of the what Deborah Ascione said when they asked if children knew their own physical limits, or if they knew when rough play was reaching the pint where it could result in physical damage (specifically too much shaking resulting in brain damage). She answered, "no, they don't know their own limits. That's why they have parents." I don't teenagers, or a lot of them anyway, fully comprehend the results of their actions. It would well if someone who did ( assuming parents understand the results of their actions do) could monitor them. I know I was the dumbest I ever was when I was a teenager, and I am glad that there were several responsible adults who checked up on me.
ReplyDeleteI agree too agree that monitoring youth on the internet is very important. Educating them, as mentioned, is very important. It might help to let them know that the internet can be unpredictable and while the youth is trusted, the internet cannot be trusted. A sporatic regular check of the family computer and any other technology would be good. When things are found such as virus attempts or bad spyware is found, it would be good to show them so they can see that they and the family are not immune to the more negative side of the internet.
ReplyDelete