Kids and the Internet

Star · 04-06-2005, 03:05 PM

I think this is a very important topic for all kids out there that use the internet.

In my inbox today, I received an e-mail from a young girl of 13 years telling me her full name, her parents names and the city that she lived in along with the province. She got my e-mail addy from my website and wanted me to be her pen pal. This isn't the first time this happened to me. A few years ago, there was another 13 year old girl that did that very same thing.

I find this disturbing. These girls are lucky that I'm not some sicko pretator that just landed a gold mine! I replied to the girl by giving her a small lecture on Internet Safety. I'm hoping that she really does think about what I said to her in my reply because if she continues to do this, she'll end up getting hurt or worse, killed!

My computer is in my diningroom in plain view so that I can clearly see what my daughter is doing while on here. I also check the history on a regular basis just to make sure she's not doing anything she shouldn't be doing. So far, she is very internet safe. Krystal on the other hand wasn't. I banned her from the computer indefinately because she was putting herself and us in danger with her internet actions.

For those of you with children, do you check up on their internet activities to make sure they're being safe? Where are your family computers? Can you see your kids while they're on there?

Duke · 04-06-2005, 03:11 PM

I don't monitor my daughters internet too closely but I do make sure to check what she's up to from time to time. She really only goes on the internet here to play games, study up on cats (her favorite subject) and come here. The rest of the time she's usually playing the Sims 2 or Zoo Tycoon.

Vautrin · 04-06-2005, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

She really only goes on the internet here to play games, study up on cats (her favorite subject) and come here.

Awww ... that is really cute. Glad to know that I am not the only one who loves cats.

But regards the internet pals, I can't understand why the post is not intermediated; checked by someone for these details, so that these details would be left out; or make certain that people who can put their ads up are no sicko's.

Of course I have no kids of my own, and when I was 12 or 13 years old, the internet was not of course what it is today. So I can't comment on how I would deal with that.

darkangelism · 04-06-2005, 03:40 PM

are you sure it was a real 13 year old?

Star · 04-06-2005, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkangelism

are you sure it was a real 13 year old?

is anyone really sure of anyone that they send mail to or meet on the internet? The internet is an excellent place for anyone to hide themselves.

She said she was 13 in the e-mail and wrote like a kid so I assume that she was one.

matthewmurcia · 08-28-2005, 04:59 PM

i was thinking about this topic today. I run a couple of forums and am also involved in translating the phrases for one application. In the US, you have the COPPA agreements which in theory must be signed by apretns and faxed or mailed to the forum administrators to allow the child to participate but that warning only pops up as an option if you are truthful about your date of birth when you sign up. If you're not, then no option and you can get straight on to the boards. It's a curious question which is part the actions of the child,part the responsibility of the people running the site and part what they might find there.

Merika · 08-29-2005, 09:32 AM

I guess it all depends on what kind of a site it is Matthew. In a forum like this....one would hope everyone involved would be looking out for potential problems. However, on a gaming site or a site targeted to teens.... what can you really do?

hezekiah · 01-22-2006, 05:16 PM

the other site i post had what was purported to be a 13 year old girl with some graphic personal information about her and her bf-the people all flamed her-not me-i hate that garbage-they feel like it has a gimmick poster so they can unload on this person...it really made me mad-i got 20 year olds at work and they need to be a little sheltered much more a 13 year old...

Merika · 01-22-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hezekiah

the other site i post had what was purported to be a 13 year old girl with some graphic personal information about her and her bf-the people all flamed her-not me-i hate that garbage-they feel like it has a gimmick poster so they can unload on this person...it really made me mad-i got 20 year olds at work and they need to be a little sheltered much more a 13 year old...

I know what you are talking about Hezekiah. Truthfully, instead of flaming her...a mod should've deleted it. Young kids have a tendency to say things on forums where alot of college aged kids post to try to 'keep up' or sound real mature. Alot of what they end up posting or the conversations they have with people much older.... just isn't appropriate for their age group.

hezekiah · 01-22-2006, 08:21 PM

Their moderation is uneven-but you called it,a bunch of college kids...

Merika · 01-22-2006, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hezekiah

Their moderation is uneven-but you called it,a bunch of college kids...

Actually, there are alot of college kids on there who I really like and still stay in contact with. It was all the 'kiddie' posting that got on my nerves. I don't think it's appropriate for a grown man to flirt around with a 13 year old. Never. Ever.

hezekiah · 01-23-2006, 06:44 AM

It IS a little weird-I like the kids over there though-I frankly get tired of "adult" conversation sometimes-a little g rated stuff is good...

Merika · 01-23-2006, 08:57 AM

I haven't posted on there for months. I did meet you though....so I'm glad I hung out there for awhile!

Duke · 01-23-2006, 11:39 PM

What other site is that?

hezekiah · 01-24-2006, 12:22 AM

Discussanything.com

Duke · 01-24-2006, 01:07 AM

Why go there when we pretty much do the same thing here :?