Questions for parents with kids using AIM

[bsnyder]

Okay, I held off as long as I could, but my DD finally has an AIM screen name.

Security-wise, I'm hoping some DISers can answer some questions for me. I've already set her preferences so that she can only send and receive to those on her buddy list. I've been over the security issues with her. Don't ever add someone you don't know to your buddy list. Don't "talk" to anyone you don't know. Don't click on any links that are sent to you, even by someone on your buddy list. What else?

In browsing the web, it appears you can sign up for a Parental Control service through AOL, if you have an AOL account, which I don't. Is this really a worthwhile service? Or is there a way to monitor her AIM logs directly, without having to have an AOL account.

Anything else I should do?

Tell me the good, the bad and the ugly, please.

 

[LadyyRedd]

AFAIK, you can't monitor logs of chats.

And I think the Parental Control service through AOL only works if she's signed onto her name through AOL, but if she signs on through AIM only, then they controls don't work.

If you have another way to connect to the internet, you can sign up for a free AOL Account.

Kimya

 

[KAMLEM]

My kids use AIM all the time so I put software called "EBlaster" on their laptops. It allows me to see every message that they send or receive and every website they visit. I get an email sent to me from each computer every day. They know that I have it and they don't have a problem with it. I think it's worth every penny that it cost.

 

[bsnyder]

My kids use AIM all the time so I put software called "EBlaster" on their laptops. It allows me to see every message that they send or receive and every website they visit. I get an email sent to me from each computer every day. They know that I have it and they don't have a problem with it. I think it's worth every penny that it cost.

Thanks - going to check eBlaster now.

Anyone else have a good software recommendation?

 

[bsnyder]

Has anyone tried Parent Tools software? It's a lot less money than eBlaster?

http://www.parent-tools.com/key-features-ptaim.php

 

[LadyZolt]

Actually, I think the big thing is not downloading anything -- even from friends in email. There are "buddy list" and "address book" viruses that, once it's on someone's computer, it mails itself to everyone on their buddy list and address books. The recipient sees the email address and thinks it's from a friend, but it's not. So, it's safest not to download anything from email, and to run a virus scan, install an anti-spyware program, and, like you said, not click on links. I would use a program that monitors a child, but I also would not allow her to use the computer when I wasn't in the room and capable of seeing everything on her screen. I know kids go to other kids houses or other places to use computers, though, so the best advice is to educate her so she knows what she's doing online.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[KikiFan]

I think it's important to have a program that requires the parents to approve/add people to the address book and IM list. We're with SBC Yahoo and their parent controls are excellent.