No tools, software, or settings on our computers are as powerful as a parent when it comes to protecting world wide kids on the internet. I know I know it sounds sort of cliche’ but it is very true. So I have come up with a off line version of the ten commandments for parents of world wide kids.
1. Thou shalt not let a kid have a computer in their room ever.
2. Thou shalt not let kids use an administrator account.
3. Thou must make each child their own account.
4. Thou shalt not let kids know ones password.
5. Thou shalt not let kids download and install software.
6. Internet use by kids should only be done with parents present at home.
7. Computers will only be placed in public spaces in the home.
8. Games, Game systems, and Cell phones shalt not have internet access without controls.
9. Limits shalt be set on the amount of computer time kids have.
10. Thou shalt inform kids that they will be monitored, and thou shalt do so
There you have it, my list of ten commandments for parents of connected kids. They are basic, simple, and have nothing to do with using technology. They just require a little parental interaction and planning. I will break down and discuss these rules individually in the upcoming blog posts.
In a previous post you said that Vista parental controls allow you to specify “how long” kids are on the computer. I use them but don’t think that is correct. Parents can choose the hours of the day, but not the duration. Sure they can go set the specific hours every single time their kids want to use the computer, and in effect choose the duration, but that is a big hassle. Regarding #9 above, unfortunately I think most parents will have a lot of trouble enforcing time limits, just like they have trouble exercising enough or losing weight. The problem is that when kids are on the computer parents get a break and the house is calm and quiet. So parents have to be unusually tough and disciplined to follow through on limits, especially with older kids.
I built and use a simple timer program that helps me enforce time limits for my kids. I use it on Vista because I wasn’t happy with the time control feature in Vista. I can set limits like 30min/weekday but not after 8pm, and the software automatically enforces them. It gives my kids audible reminders like “5 minutes left” and then forces them off when time is up. I can add/remove time easily on any particular day for special circumstances. The software is called TimesUpKidz. It’s extremely easy to use and has ended all the fighting in my house over computer time. Give it a try and let me know what you think:
http://www.TimesUpKidz.com
Comment by Justin — August 20, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
I goofed Vista will let you set time limits on when a computer but not specifically how long as this commenter states. My bad I mixed up parental controls that are in some of the software and games my kids use. Those do allow you to set duration limits. I will write about those later as well.
Comment by catndhat — August 21, 2008 @ 7:29 am
Thanks for the information on the product I will definitely check it out and if you would like I will post my review here.
Comment by catndhat — August 21, 2008 @ 7:30 am