Eric,
I have kids that use the internet & I monitor them & have software that 'helps' protect them, and me, just in case.
My kids do not use the computer when I am not there to supervise.
Most of the time it is for online Dictionary or research & references, or to e-mail their friends I know from our Home-School Co-operative group.
People I know & they know.
I have allowed them to sit in on some chats with me to see how people are supposed to conduct themselves.
My 14yo is an enthusiastic, inquisitive & friendly girl...she enjoys making new friends & meeting new people, AND she understands that there are people who look to exploit her...Both within her her peer group & out.
She had read the story about the girl that was reprinted above & (7 years ago)we had a friend who went through trying to protect their daughter from herself. She kept frequenting chatrooms & misrepresenting her age & they didn't find out until,(my then 14yo, now 21 yo daughter), told them what(their daughter, her friend)was doing & that she was disgusted...AND that the girl was having grown men calling the house.
Some people say kids will be kids, but my daughter was repulsed by the behavior of this former friend.
The internet is a real part of todays world...We as parents have to educate our young people in how to conduct themselves.
Your parents have done a good job Eric!!! You have the self-regulatory controls some kids don't have.
Kudos to you too!!
We are all here on this Forum medium to learn & share about our plants...share our experience & have some good clean FUN!!!
I enjoy having you & everyone else as a Forum Friend & thank each of of you for making it a Fabulous Family friendly place to visit!
Have a great week Eric & Everyone!!
~Cheryl