Re: [OT] MSN Messenger

["Simon McCaughey" <simonmcc@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On 25/03/06, Rowdy <aoop43@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> My 9 year old asked today if she can use MSN Messenger as a number of
her
> friends at school use it. To be honest I've always avoided it as I
thought
> it was like a seedy chat thing, don't ask me why. Anyway I don't
really know
> much about it but I'm sure you guys will, would it be safe for her to
use,
> or could anyone start chatting to her?  Any advice greatly
appreciated.
>

Keith, you're in a tricky situation, and I think you've received some
great advice here. It's one of those things where if you lay down the
law and stop her, its unlikely to work.

I think the only option is to attempt to teach our children to be
responsible on the internet, same as we do for the roads, or with
strangers.

I think monitoring software is the only responsible option too, as
children are your responsibility, and while I don't think its
necessary to read the full transcript of conversations, a quick browse
would ensure safety, same as looking out the kitchen window when
they're in the back yard.

HTH

Simon