Parental Control Software
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| Mon, 11-13-2006 - 10:27am |
I am having problems with my 14 year old daughter. She is too obsessed with talking on the computer. Also, her grades have slipped. The computer is in MY BEDROOM. Yes, I moniter her usage when I am home, but many times she is home alone. I drive several soccer carpools for her and her sister and brother. My husband is working a long-term assignment in another state, so I am the single parent for the moment.
Has anyone out there tried any of software programs that are geared to limiting what your child can access or limiting time on computer? Also, has anyone tried a stealth program which enables the parent to moniter what is being said? I am not sure that I want to invade her privacy that way, but I also have a right to know who this kid really is. She is a people pleaser who tends to only show me what she thinks I want to see. I would like to hear from other parents regarding this and their experiences.
She was grounded (from the computer, social stuff, etc...)for the worst report card she has ever had (she has always been a straight A student), and I caught her last night IM-ing her best friend (a boy, who totally disregards any of my rules). I realize she has no self-control or discipline and also that I cannot always be here to enfore the rules. I need to find a software program that can put the brakes on her usage. Any help????

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Are you certain that your DD has 3 hours of 'has to be done on the computer' homework? I have a sophomore DD and she typically gets the majority of her homework done after school at school ... and not in the computer lab, but sitting in a hallway, classroom, picnic table, etc. She is in advanced classes and an AP class and with the exception of 1/2 hour or so of typing when she gets home, most of her work is reading, math homework, review, etc., which do not require a computer to get done. Of course, she gets assigned projects of longer assignments that do require extra computer time, but not on a daily basis.
Just wondering if she isn't pulling the wool over your eyes just a bit.
I use family keylogger. Try this: http://www.downloadjunction.com/product/software/45861/index.html
Hope this helps.
What kind of internet connection do you have? We have Comcast Cable, and like most cable internet providers they offer free protection. We get McAfee Security Center for free through them and it offers great parental controls. You can set time limits, block web sites or allow other web sites. Blocks keywords which you can add/delete. You even get a log of websites visited and time spent there. She cannot access any of these controls when you're signed out and she's signed in. I think you can buy it seperately, go to the McAfee web site and you can pay and download it. I think just for the Privacy Service it's $30 a year if you have to pay for it, but it seems to hit all of the issues you want covered. If you have cable or other high speed internet, check with your provider to see if they offer these services for free!
Denise
I have AOL, which has a thing called AOL Guardian. It documents everything and you can set time limits, etc... However, when I signed up for it she got an email stating that the Guardian was turned on and that her parents would be privy to all communications, etc.. She went nuts, crying saying that was invading her privacy. Well I know very well that I am the parent and can call the shots, but sometimes I feel that if you push too hard it can backfire. So, I cancelled the Guardian. We have Norton Internet Security, which I am sure can block keywords, but I am not sure about limiting time, etc... I will have to check on that. Thanks for your reply.
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