| We do monitor the kids internet usage. When they were younger (now 13 & 16) we had a software program that only let them go to approved sites. It was a pain tho. They couldn't do research for school. THey couldn't "google" stuff because of course the results pages weren't on the "pre approved" list of urls. I hope stuff is better now a days or at least before Dani wants a turn. But anyway what we found was that it was easiest to just be there and supervise really. And now with Adrienne (16) we got her a laptop for her birthday and we collect the wireless card when she heads up to her room, she uses it for a while after supper down in the living room when homework is done. She does have my space and an aol IM user name. I have the password to both and the list of "friends". She knows I check regularly and if she wants to add a new friend she has to tell me. She talks to her cousins and kids from school. Some of you might remember I caught Adrienne's friend from school with an inappropriate photo of herself on her myspace and I had the whole dilemma of calling the mother. I think with younger kids being with and monitoring them and guiding (teaching) internet appropriatness and safety as you go is the best bet. I think with Adrienne at 16 she is just getting to that place where I have to (check in on her cookies/history/friend lists regularly) but that otherwise I do have to let go a little and hope I have done my job ok.
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