When should parents consider software-filtering tools to block unsavory Web sites?
Parents with young children may want to consider using filtering tools so that kids don’t run into pornographic material online. But filtering tools could cause kids older than 14 years old to rebel or look for Internet freedoms elsewhere. “If you try to repress expression, then you will drive it underground,” Magid said. What are the upsides to social networks? Using the Internet and social networks can have an enormous positive impact on self-esteem for kids, Magid said. The activity can help kids express themselves through music, writing and illustration, and help them hone social skills or professional skills for the future. Magid also believes that social networks will help foster more lifelong friendships, given that kids from grade and high school can keep in touch more easily via instant chat and other technologies. Still, plenty of tools are cropping up to monitor usage on MySpace. A service called Chatchecker recently added tools that let parents snoop on kids using MySpace i
