So now that we have internet again, I've set the boys up with their own screen. Parental controls and stuff. It's good. But while Chas and Max will do whatever they set out to do online and be done with it, Sam will follow links until he gets into trouble.
Yes, we've got parental controls. Yes, I hover. Yes, We've talked about it. Till I'm blue in the face. But Sam will go to a friend or family member, and Sam will be drawn to the screen, like a moth to a flame, and before I know it he's watching Wrestling or Prank Calls or Naked Santa Dancing or violent games. He's also pretty good at getting past piffling things like parental controls, and at guessing passwords. Naughty. Is the word I'm looking for here.
So internetties. You always have good answers for me. What can I do? I would like him to feel that the internet is a wonderful place, full of good things. He needs to learn to use the internet as a tool, and not just browse without thought. He's a strange kid, very high IQ and I think he prefers the company of a computer to that of a human. He also tends to believe what he reads, moreso than what he's told. (yes I got a little poster-thingy and gave it to him, "Internet Safety". I've looked online, and so far no great advice beyond what I'm already doing.
How can I keep my ten-year-old boy from learning wicked things online? I worry.
Comments
Good luck, sweetie!
Krissa, our computer is great. I can see everything that's been going on, block individual sites, and so on. I will explain that to him, so that he knows I'm watching.
ALL of the kids are due for a serious talk about responsible internet use. I need to collect my ammo beforehand.
LadyDiva, I will keep everyone posted for sure!
Sam is a GREAT KID. ALL of your boys are GREAT KIDS. But - Kids will be Kids. He will do things he shouldn't. He will learn things that perhaps you might have wanted him not to learn so soon. It's a question of what he DOES with what he learns. He will do right with proper guidance. That's you. Guidance. Not Hindrance.
Let me know when you figure this out.
Hayley Millar is reading this as she does almost everything else online.
The plus is that she calls me when she comes across things that bother her. I hope!! I try to diminish the shock value. But who knows if that's right?
I think at the end they know when they are crossing a line. We can only do our best in this very different world. But you are an amazing Mummy so you've given them the BEST start.
XX