msn

[DebDeb]

Is there a way to limit the time used on msn?My son uses the internet for his homework but is upstairs so I can't see what he is doing.I want to be in control of when he goes on msn.Is the best way to change the password so he doesn't know it?Can you put a time limit on it also?I don't mind him using it when everything else is done but it keeps popping up whilst he is doing his homework and is the cause of all our arguments.Thanks

[Ethel]

The only way would be to change the password - but he will probably create a new user name and password to get round that.

It's a fact that most children are more computer savvy than most parents, so they know how to get round any restrictions or limits.

[DebDeb]

I know that is the problem.I wish he had never started it.A lot of parents have the same problem it's a nightmare!

Thanks

[tomd]

Is the internet sent to his room via a router? If so, you may be able to block the ports MSN uses on that, so he would still be able to use the internet for browsing, but not for MSN.

[DebDeb]

No it isn't.We only have one comp and it's in the spare room but thanks anyway

[WoWo]

This is going to sound crazy but when I was a kid we didn't have computers.

Just tell him that if he continues to use MSN then he will have to do his home work the old fashion way, with a pen and paper.

[DebDeb]

Thats easier said than done because he uses the school website a lot.I am strict with him honest!

[Colortec]

Move the PC downstairs. If your son has several years left at school, it might be an option to seriously consider re-locating your PC.

This will enable you to monitor things better - act as a deterrent - teach him who is in charge in your house.

Bite the Bullet!

[fo3nix]

Why not just let him do what he wants, and trust that he gets his work done? Instead of focusing your energies on controlling him, let him do what he wants, and leave it up to him if he does his work or not.

[stoo_pid]

Colortec has the best suggestion. Consider this - if he's messing about with IM without you being able to stop him, what else is he looking at?

If there is a genuine reason you can't have the PC in a family area then there are some technological solutions. They're not cheap but you can limit access to certain programs as well as limit the time they can spend online. Click on each link below for further info:

Cyber Patrol

Net Nanny

Kids Watch

Sentry PC

Chaperone Personal Plus

I'm sure there are other products if you do some research but don't forget none of them can be a 100%substitute for parental supervision

[DebDeb]

Blimey I didn't want parenting skills! We have enough kids roaming the streets doing what they want but that's another debate.He is at a grammar school so he needs to concentrate on his schoolwork.After he has finished he can do what he wants.The pc was downstairs but we moved it after decorating.Thanks for the advice but the best thing seems to be taking control of the password.He isn't looking at anything dodgy yet by the way.fo3nix you are obviously not a parent!

[DebDeb]

ps Stoo-pid you sound very clever,you should change your name,Thanks I will check those out

[Colortec]

Taking control of the password just ups the ante. He will (probably) create a new a/c with MSN - without your knowledge - and gain unfettered access to what he wants.

The solution seems to lie with either stoo_pid's idea or my idea of re-locating the PC.

Otherwise this will just rumble on and on, and you'll be sitting in the living room or kitchen wondering........

[stoo_pid]

If you manage to change his password (if he hasn't done so himself already...) he will either:

• click on the 'Forgotten Your Password?' link & get the new one emailed back to him

or

• just create a new account.

Sorry DebDeb but I have to agree again with Colortec - not only will he find it no problem to get round in a matter of minutes, that tactic is likely to just make him more devious. When I was a kid I revelled in the fact that I was much cleverer than my parents with technology. God knows what I would have got up to if I had had access to the internet then..!

: - )

[stoo_pid]

p.s. thanks for the compliment!

: - )

[fitzy22]

you can acctually block msn by going into tools on your internet browser then going into internet options and then security and then restricted sites... its pretty obvious from there :D

hope that was of any help