How do you feel about the idea of tracking your child's online activities?

Kym - posted on 07/07/2012

do it and track their friends too ;) I am the ultimate lurker and I have a 17, 16 and 13 year old....and boy do I find out alot about their friends! Knowledge is power and it provides so much opportunity for communication!

Marissa - posted on 07/06/2012

It depends on the child's age. Make sure the child is responsible enough to be on the computer and keep the computer in an open space where everyone can see what is going on. You may not want to poke your nose in too much, especially if the child is a tween/teen, because they hate it when someone is always looking over their back! (Trust me, I JUST had to deal with this situation) Make sure the child knows the do's and don'ts and make sure they aren't on 24/7, and they have a specific time that they can be on. If they are younger then about 11 years, go ahead and do it, my parents used to use a special device on the 'net that recorded EVERYTHING I did. (They were and still are VERY protective)
Hope I helped!
Marissa Pierre

Michelle - posted on 03/16/2012

Tracking their online activities is no different from knowing their friends, where they are going, who's driving, or what they're doing. If you don't keep tabs on their internet usage, you are essentially being neglectful. It would be the same as letting them leave the house without asking a single question...

Indya - posted on 10/18/2011

I think it is required as a parent nowadays! I know our kids don't like it but if they want to use the computers that I paid for...they will comply! :)

Nathalie - posted on 08/12/2011

Absolutely!! If they are not adults then it is our job to keep these children safe! Children are naturally inquisitive, had there been internet when i was growing up, goodness knows what i would have tried to look at! Privacy controls are great to a certain age, then they want to check out their favorite singers on you tube or google them, that's when you need to be alert...an Innocent google search could pull up all kinds of things. I am all about teaching them the rights and wrongs of the internet but a child will be a child...and perverts will be perverts, they are clever at what they do and can persuade even the smartest kid...until they are adults and ready to face the world, as parents we must protect them from whatever is out there, whether they like it or not!!!

Sarah - posted on 08/12/2011

I can't imagine why you wouldn't check up on them! It's not a matter of being suspicious and invading their privacy, it's being informed and knowing what's going on. Though my kids don't yet even have play dates without a parent accompanying them, once they're older I WILL ask where they're going, who they'll be with, when they'll be back, and I'll have full veto power over any event, companions, or time frame that I'm not comfortable with. The internet is no different. My children will not go to a website I'm not familiar with, chat with people I do not know, and they will have restricted usage. A kid is at higher risk of being a victim of an internet predator than a kidnapper or molester in public, so why are so many parents hyper-vigilant at the mall and clueless on the computer?

Carisa - posted on 08/11/2011

I'm glad I went into the account the other day. My ddd likes some of Avril's songs so liked her page on facebok. As I looked for anything bad..I sure found it! (So check your young kids pgs) She had no real reason to type the word s**t!!! so I unliked the page..dd not on much so I dont think she'll notice. I've had trouble getting her off a music/dress up characters/chat site called Meez though....

Lisa - posted on 08/10/2011

my kids are 10 and under and I just sit with them while they are online. I set everything to PG so I don't have to worry about things popping up, and I only let them go to certain sites that are pre-approved. If they want to go to a new site, I check it out while they are not in the room. As they get older I will have to let them have some privacy but only within their friend groups, and very limited at that. you can also check browser history and the trackers and cookies on your computer. Also you can check any thing that's been saved to your computer by doing a search for most recent. Most kids don't know to clear anything, so if they are into something they shouldn't be, they will leave tracks.

Jennifer - posted on 08/10/2011

I believe that it is absolutely necessary to be aware of what your kids are doing. I make sure my kids know that I will be checking up on them when it comes to online and cell phones. It is my job to keep them safe whether they like it or not..I always remind them that one day they will thank me, and im sure they will be doing the same for their children.

Neana - posted on 08/09/2011

I feel if more parents would take this step there would be less missing kids. I know that many people say this is snooping and invading their privacy but to me if me snooping saves my child. It is worth it.

Debbie - posted on 08/09/2011

My teenage daughter has a facebook account, and yes, I'm one of those moms that checks it. It has actually helped. I had to call the police once because of a certain conversation that I saw on her facebook. A 21 year old punk was making moves on her!! Needless to say, that punk had the pleasure of spending some time in jail.
Like some of the other mamas say, better safe than sorry!!

Ursula - posted on 08/08/2011

As a principal, I am always amazed at what students tell me in conversation. More and more often it is about the computer and what they can do and no one is watching at home. It can be dangerous. Even if you don't check all the time, if they think you may randomly check it may make them think a little more about safety and what they write and where they go on the net.
As parents please do not write or respond to someone as if you are the child. I have dealt with situations that come into school only to find out a parent was writing to other students as her daughter because she got angry with the other child's posts.

Ursula - posted on 08/08/2011

As a principal, I am always amazed at what students tell me in conversation. More and more often it is about the computer and what they can do and no one is watching at home. It can be dangerous. Even if you don't check all the time, if they think you may randomly check it may make them think a little more about safety and what they write and where they go on the net.
As parents please do not write or respond to someone as if you are the child. I have dealt with situations that come into school only to find out a parent was writing to other students as her daughter because she got angry with the other child's posts.

Rachel - posted on 08/08/2011

I feel until they are no longer children (graduate high school) what they do IS my business. I have an almost 15yo, and 11yo and an 8yo and you better believe I know their every step. And they know I know. Ive made it more than clear to them that privacy isnt a right until they are old enough to vote. Im their Mother, not their friend, and I dont care if they hate me....their safety is a fair trade.

Amanda - posted on 08/07/2011

I have Nortons Online Security for my daughters profile on the home computer. It e-mails me when she goes to an unapproved website. It's not me checking up on her, it's protecting her. She is 8 and there are too many predators out there. I trust her judgement and if she wants to visit a website that is blocked, it gives her the option to ask me to unblock it and if I understand her reasoning then I will unblock it. In most cases it is a learning website for school and I of course unblock it.

Pam - posted on 08/07/2011

good question to ask the parents of a group of teens who friended a fake facebook page set up to make fun of another teen, the page was up for less than 24 hours, most of the teens didn't even post a comment....all parents (and there were a lot of them) have to pay $25,000 each, the parents of the teen who created the page had to pay much more than that. So then, you tell me, should you as a parent track your child's online activities??

Kiley - posted on 08/07/2011

In the same of safety, I am definitely a fan. Also, in my opinion children's & teen's computers should only be stored and used in family common areas. Unfortunately there is bullying, pedophilia and pornography just one click away :-( and predators have adapted to technology to say the least. Too sad & scary not to monitor our children's online access. We're parents not bffs ;)

Alexis - posted on 08/07/2011

YES! Why would you not track your childs online activities, you try to know what your child is up to outside of the internet right? I find the internet may be even more scary since they can be tricked into all kinds of things, I also would want to know what they are talking about and looking up. That way I know if they are showing an intrest in something I need to talk to them about, drugs\sex\suicide, all of the other wild and crazy stuff you can find online. It can be hared sometimes though,even with setting up blocks so your child can't see certain things its not a guarantee. Our children are computer savvy and trust me, they have or can find a way around electronic blocks. Don't think they are safe just because you have a block up, be a parent and be into their lives and what they are doing.

Carisa - posted on 08/06/2011

yes I snoop without them knowing. I mostly check my child's as she doesn't need any friends or celebs posting something I dont approve of. IF I find it, I delete it "as her". I worry more about just turned teen sis (husbands kid w/ ex) who has always acted like a teen. She has a private profile, but now allows pals I know she doesnt know..maybe a few fake Justin Beibers who could be a pedaphile??..the other day she "liked" some page about being a strong woman, but it went on with full curse words. Told her family, but it's still there And she's on late at night/ wish I could block when she adds 50 "friends" at a time! go ahead and check..safety first

Dee Dee - posted on 08/05/2011

In this day and age its really hard to tell. IF the child is under 18 I see no problem with knowing the pw and user names...But before that talk with the children and tell them how you feel about them being online. You can always test the waters when they get older.

Shanetta - posted on 08/05/2011

I believe in tracking my children online. It is not them I do not trust it is who they are talking to. I follow the both of them on twitter and the persons they follow. I even get followers who are scantily dressed so just imagine if my children get them. I even go so far as to check their cellphones and text messages. They are both at that age where peer pressure is hard and I just do not want them to pick up a bad habit

Susan - posted on 08/05/2011

Absolutely! If you don't check on what your kids are doing online how can you guide them to make the right choices? There are a lot of people out there who use the internet as a tool to exploit children, checking out what they're doing and who they're engaging with is a necessary protective measure.

Anne - posted on 08/05/2011

i track my kids activities as i have just had my 13 yr old daughter in the teen mental ward now out on weekend release back in on monday because of online garbage and school stuff so yes people please check their activities

Sadgreeneyes - posted on 08/04/2011

you really need too!! our 13 year old we found out was doing unspeakable on line activities with older kids she met on face book!!! please we are parents we need to parent, kids have enough friends.. I agree with you Monitor please!!!!

Cherie - posted on 08/04/2011

if my child was older i would!

Shannon - posted on 08/03/2011

I believe it's 100% ok and it's not snooping. Our 11 year old was told when he got his phone and access to facebook and email that as the adults, we WILL check his accounts, text messages and anything else on a regular basis. He understands this and knows that until he is old enough to leave the house, nothing is private. He never gets upset about this but frankly, I would rather my child be upset with me for awhile now then not know what's going on in their lives and under my own roof.

Heather - posted on 08/03/2011

I have Norton Family Online, I don't have to check up on him, they do. i set the parameters for what is and is not allowed and what times he can be online and they do the rest. The setting can be adjusted as the child grows and you are sent email alerts each time they exceed their hours, get their computer locked for being on too late at night or try to visit a page that your settings block. You can view the pages that were blocked, add then to a known site list if they are "OK", see the child's chat history and you can set up accounts for each child in the household all with different settings. I love it.

Paula - posted on 08/03/2011

YES...YES...YES...I worked for the Government and has to catch sexual predators on the internet......YES.....they are there in such great numbers that they out number the regular ordinary people. (My job also included finding Terrorists)

Madeline - posted on 08/03/2011

i

Madeline - posted on 08/03/2011

i would do the same thing do you see the star shape on the rght side of the top of the page click on it and check it out its not that you don't trust them but you want to protect them from dangers they are not fully aware of using that same little start you can block web pages that you don't want your child to visit best of luck!

Charm - posted on 07/31/2011

My in-laws use netnanny on their computer when the grandkids come over.

Bonita - posted on 07/31/2011

Definitely PRO! There are too many pitfalls for children on the net! Parenting is not full of easy choices, but this one shouldn't even be a choice! Keep your eyes open!

Sarah - posted on 07/28/2011

I think it's a part of your job description as a parent to keep track of your kids, whether its who they hang out with in real life or knowing what chatrooms they visit. Of course, once they turn 18 you're legally no longer required to keep tabs on them, but until then isn't it your job to try to keep them safe? There are alot of predators out there, and kids don't have the knowledge or common sence to always recognize them. You're older and wiser by default (at least, we hope you are lol...) so its your job to know what they're up to. And as long as you raise them with the knowledge that their activities are going to be monitored they won't be able to say that you're snooping. Snooping is like spying, aka secretively keeping tabs. Make sure your kids know you're doing it. That way, either they'll be smart enough to appreciate it or find a way around your supervision in which case there's not much you can do about it anyway.

Tiacia - posted on 07/27/2011

I think its a good idea.

Sara - posted on 07/27/2011

Yes......its a good thing to do especially with adolescent kids.
But you should make your kid aware that you are doing this or his good and no tpeeping into his privacy.....

Dana Jeremiah - posted on 07/27/2011

I think it is a good idea. I think there is a difference between keeping an eye on online activities and 'snooping'. I have a 14 year old and I let her have a FB and a twitter as long as I know her user names and passwords so that I cam check on the accounts if I feel like I need to. We also keep all computer activity in the central part of the house.

Lacieann - posted on 07/26/2011

If they're in my house and I pay for the internet I will track what they do. I would keep my snooping under the radar though. I would only confront them if they seem to be putting themselves in danger though. I don't really plan on letting my kids use the computer for much other than school work though. Right now they're to young for much computer time, only a few games at their grandma's house.

Grisell - posted on 07/26/2011

I do it!! My oldest is on FB and each one is on the other contacts. This includes aunts, uncles, grandparents and the list goes on. Also, there's only one PC with internet and is on the family room where everyone can see. My 9y/o wants her FB and email, and I haven't alowe it. Privacy? With all the predators, bullies, and other things that are in the cyberspace forget about it.

Davaline - posted on 07/26/2011

Firstly if your child does something illegal your legally held responsible. you can't just say Oh I didnt know they were doing that.

Secondly their a kid they are bound to mess up from time to time because thats what it's all about figuring out how to grow up and find their own place in the world. You know their gona do something silly or ridiculous if you just let them be on the computer or internet. It's our jobs as parents to explain every step of the way Why so they know the diff between right and wrong and can figure it out for themselves one day.

Once they are grown... of legal age... then I'd stop monitoring their activities. Like I said if they mess up it's us as parents who have to pay for it. even if it was an accident. better safe than sorry.

Think of all the trouble they could get into on the internet even if you do have parental controls.



Like maybe they saw a video online from a classmate that showed a beating going on. they could get into trouble if they promoted that video to anyone else.



theirs always the "pretenders" who lure teenagers out of their homes to meet them. saying that they are a hot young person wana to hook up for a date. when it's really a person whose already been charged with sexual assault and is on probation.



For the too young kids it's all to easy for them to stumble across porn. all you have to do is look up "bad parenting images on google" and you'll see what I mean.



The list goes on and on. Just to easy for them to get themselves into trouble with.

Shannintipton - posted on 07/25/2011

good. :)

Monda - posted on 07/25/2011

I think it is a parental responsibility.

Christine - posted on 07/22/2011

I think tracking your child's online activity is your job as a parent.

Amanda - posted on 07/21/2011

Is it a bit hassle, and will you have to fight teens? Yes. But it will pay off later, when you don't have to pay for their children!

Amanda - posted on 07/21/2011

I think it's a parents job to be butting into their business. It's the only way you can find out if they are in trouble or not. And if they are complaining about their privacy or trying to hide something from you. Obviously they are doing something wrong. That's a big hint right there. Do I think it's unfair? No. My mother did it to me. And I tried not to do things that were bad, so she'd leave me alone. Your children will go down the right path in directed. The wrong, if you just let them do as they please.

Sharon - posted on 07/21/2011

When they are at the tween and teen stage, I say yes. I have one teenager and two college students. I do not snoop on my college students, especially since one has her own apartment in the city. However, I have a sister in law who does snoop on her college student by going on the daughter's facebook in her daughter's name. That is where I draw the line. They are adults now, that have to make their own decisions and face their own consequences.

Natasha - posted on 07/20/2011

Sounds good to me, there kids and kids are curious, track away I say!! When they have kids of there own they will understand and do it when they don't know and if they find out they will be angry but like I said when they have kids of there own they will understand.

Jennifer - posted on 07/20/2011

Hmm... good question. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's important to keep them safe online, but I also feel like it's kinda big brother, too. Better safe than sorry though, right?

Julie - posted on 06/13/2011

this comes down to privacy and theres a fine line we walk when we check up on our kids. i am all for knowing what they are up to but snooping is another matter and our kids will hate us for it. if the parental controls on the computer are set and you help them set up the privacy and security on things such as the social networks and explain to them about hackers and predetors and people who talk inapropriately. if you are concerned then yes check by all means but dont let the kids think you are snooping on them all the time.