Dear Jasmine,
I recently bought a computer for our home so that everyone in the family could use it. We keep the computer in the computer room so that our kids could use it to do homework. Last week I notice that the computer was acting strange so I did a virus scan on it and found a lot of spyware and other types of things that have infected the computer. I did a history check and found that my son has been looking at pornographic websites. He is only 11 years old.
I haven’t talk to him about it yet because I am unsure what I should do about it. He has often times used the computer without my knowledge and would lock the door to the computer room. I don’t want to punish him by not allowing him to use the computer but I am not sure what I should do at this point. Any advice would help out a great deal.
Joan R.
Atlanta, GA
Dear Joan,
I think that perhaps moving the computer to a more common area that your family shares may be a good idea. Perhaps moving it to the living room or den, where there isn’t a door for him to lock could allow you to view what he is doing on the computer. I would also try looking for parental controls on your computer so that you can restrict your son from being able to view these websites. I think it may even be a good idea for your kids to let you know when they will be using the computer and what they are using the computer for so you can have a sense of when they are online and using the computer.
Talk to your son and let him know that there are rules when using the computer and that those websites are restricted. I wouldn’ be too hard on him but just talk to him and let him know that he needs to focus his energy in a more positive fashion and concentrate on his schoolwork when he is using the computer. Perhaps you could also set up some guidelines for your kids when using the computer so they have a good sense of what not to do in the future.
Always here,
Jasmine
