Monitoring Children's Use of the Internet

You met the  and have come back each Wednesday to read what they have to say on the newest parenting question. This week, we invite Wantagh-Seaford Patch parents to join the discussion. Since you share borders and schools, we believe it will be valuable to have input from all three towns.

Today's question is: How closely do you monitor your children's use of the internet?

Leave a comment to let us know what you think, and e-mail any questions you have for our parents to nina.ruggiero@patch.com for a future column.

Jane Cappiello

The computer and the Internet were up-and-coming sensations when my three older children were growing up. Only a few people, mostly those who worked in the field of technology, had them in their own homes. It seems as though our family always had a computer to do research, homework, etc. Owning a computer is something that is taken for granted. Almost everyone owns at least one, or has access to a computer either at school or in a public place such as a library.

I considered monitoring the use of the computer parental duty. I tried to keep vigilant knowing that young minds and hearts could be exposed to inappropriate people, sites and knowledge they might not be prepared to handle. I used to read their search history. They grew up to be good people. I still challenge some of their viewing choices. I figure if they know right from wrong, they will stay healthy in mind and spirit.

I have an 11-year-old to guide. I am hoping that I can instill in him a healthy outlook on life in general and that he will use the computer to its full potential in a responsible way. I do check out what he is watching. His older brother and sisters are all too happy to tell me if he has wandered off the beaten path into something deemed inappropriate. His siblings are a great help to me and keep a good eye out for him while he is navigating his websites.

Cathy Fressle

I do monitor the use of the Internet by my kids. I check the history on the computer, and we keep the computer in the family room. I set the level on the computer to keep them from certain sites; they have their own log on to the computer. I also tell them no funny business on the computer with friends; I warn them I do not  want any calls from other parents telling me anything inappropriate.

They do use the Internet for school projects and learning websites, so they do not just use it socially. The Internet and computers are part of their lives now, they do not know anything different, so as long as you keep an eye on where they are on the computer and speak to them about it, I think it's ok for them to use-- but no chat rooms at all!

Kathleen Vaughan Ware

As a parent, we always want to protect our children and provide a safe and comfortable environment for them. Years ago, the boogie man that appeared at bedtime in my house was taken care of with a water gun. Currently, the monster in the room is the Internet, and it can be a scary place for our children if not carefully monitored by parents.

Remember when our parents would remind us not to talk to strangers? That was back when a stranger was a physical person. Nowadays the stranger can be someone pretending to be a child’s friend on the internet. Whether your child is 6 or 16 years old, it’s important to have some kind of control over what they do on the computer.

Thankfully, there are many security programs available that can restrict websites and others that will record anything typed on a computer. Other precautions to help monitor a child’s use of the internet might be to keep the computer in a common room of the house, as well as to educate yourself on basic computer knowledge.

It’s important to maintain access to your child’s online activity. After all, a water gun can’t penetrate through a computer screen…