teenagers and instant messaging

[Briar Rose 7457]

you have no control over what your child says to his or her friends when they're at school or in social situations. rather than trying to monitor and censor what they say in IM's to those friends, isn't it a better idea to discuss those types of conversations, why they're inappropriate, and teach your child how to handle inappropriate discussions?

 

[4greatboys]

My 15 yr old is IM'ing quite a bit and now 13 yr old getting into. Our comp is in our dining room and so we do pass by and occasionally check the conversations. Yes some of the kids do you foul language that they wouldnt in front of me while visiting but its other stuff I check for, people wanting to talk about sex or drugs, etc.
I dont watch him on the computer 24/7 but I dont just leave him on an never check either but it is hard to find a happy medium.