Parental Filter

Does anybody use these programs?

They are supposed to log all activity from MSN sessions. They basically let you read everything that your child writes or reads in their MSN sessions.

I know it's an invasion of privacy but would you guys agree with me that in this case it's justified?

I think that there are a lot of factors to consider in this discussion. How old is the child? Do you have reason to believe that the child is engaging in risky online communications? Do you intend to let your child know that you have this monitor running? Why do you want to use this software? Do you trust your child to remain within the boundaries that you set for their online activities?

I think that this kind of software can be a valuable element in a larger plan. I've just heard too many cases involving parents who used this kind of package in place of actually physically monitoring their child's online time or keeping the lines of communication open.

To me, one of the most valuable aspects of this kind of software is that it provides a record of inappropriate communication that can be taken to the service provider if your child is targeted by a predator in an age appropriate area.

also if you are talking about pre teens or teenagers...they are pretty agressive ..and dont want others to invade their privacy as such...

there is this program called Msg Plus which can log msn chat conversations..

I don't think this is a issue for a child to decide. While he or she is under your roof and your roof they are your responsibilty and at least untill 18 you are a fully fledged legal guardian.

Having said that you should excersise caution and remember that trust between you and your child is VERY important.

yes swift..trust is one thing which we build our relationships upon..if we lose the trust..by some silly kind of spying..

they will be really upset...and this could lead to further problems..

I think it's good to have in place and to tell your child up front that their use of those programs is conditional upon allowing you to log the conversations. Tell them that you never intend to go in and read them unless you feel like your child is giving you a reason to, so they just need to behave and you won't ever have to check the logs. Would that maybe work?

Spying on your children is never justified. The fact that you would feel the need to spy on your children is all that needs to be said about your obvious ineffectiveness as a parent. The most impoortant thing you can teach your child is integrity. Once they learn that everything else will fall into line. Actions speak louder than words and a parent that spies on their children obviously lacks integrity.

I knew a Mom who tracked and logged her teenager's IM conversations and then couldn't resist trying to appear all-knowing by intimating that she was privy to private communications. As soon as any prudent kid knows they're being logged they'll switch to texting, or they'll just send encrypted emails. They are so very far ahead of us technically that it ain't even funny, folks.

I have never used those programs, if you really want to track their sessions there are easier ways to do it, but I don't think it is the right thing to do. There has to be a certain amount of trust and responsibility given. I think it is more sensible to have a shared computer in a busy family room so that you can monitor their computer use. It depends on age, of course.

How old is the person you are spying on? Did you purchase the computer?

If it's important to know what you child is doing, and they aren't over 16, then I'd say you need to simply set up the computer with a password that only allows them into certain, presaved websites, and you need to install something like Net Nanny.

The way you state this sounds like there is something more than healthy concern going on, here. It sounds like a control issue.

With teens, you need to take a hands off approach as much as possible, or you stand the chance of never seeing your grandchildren.

If you are this nervous, why do you have a computer in your home?