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Mom wants to get a Mac for my younger sister, but will only buy w/ an internet filter
- Thread starter mattcube64
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I've got nothing against blocking certain things from children. I do have a problem with parents trying to replace good parenting with technology. How about instead of ignoring your kid and letting some software babysit them, try being with your kid whenever they're on the internet. Not only do you get to make sure they don't view anything they shouldn't, you get to spend some time with your kids! Such a novel idea that seems to have been lost lately.
As a "new" parent of a 12 year old, I read this thread with great interest. My goal is to safely allow more age appropriate exposure to the internet, and that is where technology may be of help. "Good" parents, I would argue, generally look at all the tools available to help their children grow and help them learn how to make good decisions on their own. I agree with mkaake. It is easy to make judgements and give parenting advice when there are no real consequences to your opinions.
Well, my mom got a refurbished 17" iMac and Intego Content Barrier.
And guys, I really don't think my mom is worried about my sister watching porn. She just doesn't want porn popping up all the time, randomly, when just doing research.
My mom WILL be around most the time my sister is on the internet, because my mom works out of the home. But what about when my mom has to go somewhere, and my sister has a report or something.
I don't feel she's "babying" my sister (who is 13, BTW). She just wants a little reassurance. Also, there are other things on the internet that a 13 year old girl doesn't need to be a part of.
I just turned 18 a couple weeks ago, and I haven't had filtered internet for several years now. She trusts me to make okay decisions, and she knows she can't hide everything from me. My sister can curse occasionaly, watch R-rated movies my mom deems appropriate, listen to explicit music my mom is okay with. She's not trying to hide the world from her. However, it's ignorant to believe the internet is a safe place for a tweenage girl to be on.
And guys, I really don't think my mom is worried about my sister watching porn. She just doesn't want porn popping up all the time, randomly, when just doing research.
My mom WILL be around most the time my sister is on the internet, because my mom works out of the home. But what about when my mom has to go somewhere, and my sister has a report or something.
I don't feel she's "babying" my sister (who is 13, BTW). She just wants a little reassurance. Also, there are other things on the internet that a 13 year old girl doesn't need to be a part of.
I just turned 18 a couple weeks ago, and I haven't had filtered internet for several years now. She trusts me to make okay decisions, and she knows she can't hide everything from me. My sister can curse occasionaly, watch R-rated movies my mom deems appropriate, listen to explicit music my mom is okay with. She's not trying to hide the world from her. However, it's ignorant to believe the internet is a safe place for a tweenage girl to be on.
It's a Mac...porn won't be popping up randomly anyways. Random porn popups are from crap like spyware and viruses...
Here is another option for using the web: http://www.freeverse.com/bumpercar2/
"BumperCar: the Mac OS X Web browser just for kids. Offering unparalleled content-control and customization features, BumperCar is the most powerful Web browser for concerned educators and parents on the Macintosh."
It is a really nice piece of software. Recommended
"BumperCar: the Mac OS X Web browser just for kids. Offering unparalleled content-control and customization features, BumperCar is the most powerful Web browser for concerned educators and parents on the Macintosh."
It is a really nice piece of software. Recommended
For the record - i spend A LOT of time with my kids. So much so that having an internet filter lets me do laundry and clean house. Knowing I can leave the room while they are online gives me a life.
You know, we "crazy how could stand to see your kids all day" Homeschooling Moms sometimes need a break.
Here is another option for using the web: http://www.freeverse.com/bumpercar2/
"BumperCar: the Mac OS X Web browser just for kids. Offering unparalleled content-control and customization features, BumperCar is the most powerful Web browser for concerned educators and parents on the Macintosh."
It is a really nice piece of software. Recommended
Glad to hear you like it! I need to get it purchased for my oldest.
Tracey... stay-at-home mom of 3 girls, aka always broke!
I can understand.
If you have Tiger, OS X 10.4, then check out Apple's page for parents: http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/family/ It highlights the features that are available to you. You can also get additional help by going to the Apple discussion pages located in the support section of their site. I also did a quick search and came up with a few pages (I know that your time must be limited so I thought I would try and isolate something for you).
http://mac360.com/index.php/mac360/comments/what_do_you_do_to_a_mac_to_protect_your_kids/ has some helpful advice.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/wn10.html
Best of luck.
Not to be insensitive or anything but why not turn off the computer when the kids are alone. That way there is no need to worry about what they are doing online. I can't stand how all these parents complain about myspace and how dare they allow my kids to sign up. If the parents are aware of what the kids are doing a lot of these problems would go away. Just turn off the computer if you are concerned about what the kids are looking at.For the record - i spend A LOT of time with my kids. So much so that having an internet filter lets me do laundry and clean house. Knowing I can leave the room while they are online gives me a life.
You know, we "crazy how could stand to see your kids all day" Homeschooling Moms sometimes need a break.
Glad to hear you like it! I need to get it purchased for my oldest.
Tracey... stay-at-home mom of 3 girls, aka always broke!
Good
If I was one of your parents, I'd be relieved.
if i was your kid i'd kill myself lolz.j/k
If I was one of your parents, I'd be relieved.
Not to be insensitive or anything but why not turn off the computer when the kids are alone. That way there is no need to worry about what they are doing online. I can't stand how all these parents complain about myspace and how dare they allow my kids to sign up. If the parents are aware of what the kids are doing a lot of these problems would go away. Just turn off the computer if you are concerned about what the kids are looking at.
Because if my 7.5 year old with a variety of processing disorders WANTS to spend almost 2 hours at the learn to read site (Starfall) - I'm so NOT going to argue and say NO. She has struggled greatly learning to read, and it's helping!
They have very limited computer time - tightly controlled with using "KidsBrowser" where they can go (only the places I enter for them).
My Oldest either spends her computer time in World Book reading the encyclopedia, at American Girl trying to figure out how to spend her Birthday money, if there is time left she plays a variety of educational games.
They also love to play in the iLife apps - the oldest again is taking a class next week at the Apple Store on Garage Band - so it will be a week of learning music. They both have DigiCams & Video Cams and are excited to be learning iMovie & iPhoto. Computer time - without the net.
They also don't "get" to watch TV during the week, they have enough other stuff to do. And some of you are going to call us "mean" - it works for us. We believe and try to maintain the "kids being kids" philosophy actually. They had some huge life lessons 16 days ago when the F3 Tornado landed in our front yard and wiped out our neighborhood. But they are getting thru it as are we.
For us - a limited internet access with other computer time works well. They use the computer for learning beyond their book work - i'm not one to discourage that. I just don't think they need to at the moment roam free online. There is a lot to do "on the computer" and not be online.
But those of you that don't have kids - you really should refrain from calling us parents anything. I probably never thought i'd end up where i am either in raising kids. Until you go have some hands on - it's pretty hard to understand.
Thanks for the links for the Tiger stuff - i'm running most of it I think (they run Simple Finder accounts). I'm anxious to see the new stuff in Leopard!
Tracey..... still the broke mom of 3 girls, 2 of whom just managed to fight over the microwave for lunch!
Well said. Agree with you totally. OP's mom is right in looking to block or at least try to block most of the trash from internet.
Soon to be parent,
Emre.
Maybe I just come from a generation that never had the internet as a kid. I never got access until I was 16. I was perfectly fine with going outside to play as a child.
I didn't have it at 16
I think it might have been invented that year i turned 16.... LOL!And never fear - my kids are outside, a lot. Come summer, not so much - it gets a little hot here for running around too much.
But that reminds me we need to call tuesday and get a price list for the swingset repair.... yes, my 11 yo still swings with her sisters!
And what about when your kid needs to research a paper for school? I totally understand the concept of actually spending time with your kids instead of letting technology do it, but sometimes you might have to let the kid use the computer on his/her own and you never know where they might end up.
Yeah intego content barrier is great. If you want a free solution dansguardian works. We use it at work for a school of 250 students. However a little tricky to set up. I think you can install it on mac os x for stand alone use.
I dunno, I started on the internet around 11. My parents were just really good about instilling good internet cautions in me; I never told anyone my name or age, under any conditions, or even what state I lived in, and I avoided all chat rooms like the plague (I do even to this day).
And frankly, my Internet time taught me enough information that today I now hold an IT job with very little formal training.
I like the way you're protecting their innocence. I wish more people did!I didn't have it at 16
And never fear - my kids are outside, a lot. Come summer, not so much - it gets a little hot here for running around too much.
But that reminds me we need to call tuesday and get a price list for the swingset repair.... yes, my 11 yo still swings with her sisters!
Sometimes I wish I could "block" myself as well.
I like the way you're protecting their innocence. I wish more people did!
Sometimes I wish I could "block" myself as well.
Thanks! What started as an alternative to private school we couldn't afford when we moved to Florida has just turned into a huge blessing for our family.
I can't imagine NOT being around my kids all day - don't get me wrong, i'm looking forward to my 3 days in DC/VA Scrapbooking with friends. Time for a Mommy recharge
But overall, my girls are best friends - no easy to accomplish at 11,7.5 & 2.5, and like spending time with us (and their Grandparents - my parents live with us while waiting to build an in-law addition on). Anyway - time for dinner.
Tracey