Re: MSN/Windows messenger: safe for 13 year old?

In <news:42ff54ce$0$1196$ed2619ec@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, 14/08/05,
Webrex thought carefully and then said:
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have been asked by a relative about MSN messenger. The person in question
>> has a 13 year old daughter who wants to use MSN (all her friends use it). The
>> parent has banned MSN after a letter from the girl's school saying "we don't
>> encourage the use of MSN Messenger".

Just as a point here... were the school really saying they don't encourage
it *at home*... I can understand them not allowing it on the school pc's,
is this what was meant?

>> The parent clearly wants me to back her up in her argument with her daughter
>> that MSN Messenger is risky, but it's not something I have ever really had to
>> worry about. And, to be honest, I'm just not convinced that a ban is
>> appropriate. But then, I don't have a 13 years old daughter.
>>
>> If anyone here has and knowledge, experience and/or opinion on the above I
>> would very much like to hear it.
>>
>
> Well, I've passed on all the points raised to the parent in question. She is
> still set on banning Messenger. Her choice I suppose. Thanks for all the
> advice.

Well, it may be a bit late but I have a thirteen year old daughter and I've
just (literally last week) set up her own msn messenger id. Prior to that
she had only used it to talk to my contacts or family, on this computer,
and one of her friends, who I know well. We've gone over the rules, much
along the lines of the advice you've already been given and she knows that
if she breaks them, then she'll not be able to use it (and yes, at the
moment, I am happy that she wouldn't know how to circumvent me blocking it)
When I'm out of the house, she can't use the internet at all, as the router
security password is known only be me.

The one thing I will add that I think your friends could well be missing is
that banning it will more than likely just send her to to friends houses
where the parents may not be at home/supervising and possibly, egged on by
one another, they'll be more tempted to do things they wouldn't in their
own homes.
Personally, I would rather teach my children 'how' to be internet savvy and
aware of the potential dangers, and at home, where I can be on hand to
check what is being done.

--
~~Linda~~
.

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