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lemoncurry
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| Posted: Jan 14 2006 at 1:31pm | IP Logged
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After my dear sister Jenn sent me the link to this thread, I had to register and reply.
As an iPod owner (it's the American dream, isn't it?), the iTunes software that comes with the iPod does have parental control that can disable the music store and other options. It also can be used as a hard drive and can be accessed from My Computer, but I'm not sure how it works as far as media files added through there.
The thing is, computer security and restrictions can be highly tailored to suit your needs, including restricting access to My Computer or certain drives (the ipod shows up as a removable drive). Unfortunately, it does take some effort and know-how.
My opinion, and since my kids are younger than 3 I have limited experience, is that restrictions on the computer should be stricter earlier, and as they grow older, more access can be granted. NetNanny and other filtering software can only do so much, and if the child is that determined, he/she will not stop until they find a way around it. There is software out there that does not stop access to any internet sites but instead monitors it all and can categorize it based on how explicit the content is. If the youth is old enough to understand, that might be the better option, IMO. This way the youth can choose (even though it is not something you want to think about) whether or not they want to visit those sites, but the parents will know from the report they would get, and then the consequences can be dealt with thereafter. With software that blocks the sites, you can deal with avoiding unwanted exposure to those things, but if the child/youth has already decided that they want to go to those sites, the damage to their soul is already done, even if the site is blocked.
It's unfortunate that we have to deal with this clear and present danger. On one hand you don't want your child exposed to that filth, but on the other hand, you want to teach them the ability to make good decisions, or at least that bad decisions have consequences.
I realize this discussion was more about ipods, so I apologize for the digression. But I've been a computer geek (amateur and professional) for most of my life and I know that just about any kind of restriction on the computer is possible, you just need a bit of effort.
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MacBeth
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| Posted: Jan 14 2006 at 1:37pm | IP Logged
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teachingmyown wrote:
| One thing about the play list on the iPods or MP3s that I didn't realize, the kids can write whatever they want as the group and title. It is not necessarily what is really on there. |
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Such a good point, Molly. I know Libby changes media titles...though she is usually making them more specific, adding K. or Opus numbers and keys and all. But if a kid wanted to hide a track from a parent, that's an easy way, unless the parent is listening.
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MacBeth in NY
Don's wife since '88; "Mom" to the Fab 4
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MacBeth
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| Posted: Jan 14 2006 at 1:40pm | IP Logged
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lemoncurry wrote:
As an iPod owner (it's the American dream, isn't it?), the iTunes software that comes with the iPod does have parental control that can disable the music store and other options.
The thing is, computer security and restrictions can be highly tailored to suit your needs, including restricting access to My Computer or certain drives (the ipod shows up as a removable drive). Unfortunately, it does take some effort and know-how.
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Thanks, Jenn's brother!  That information should help.
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MacBeth in NY
Don's wife since '88; "Mom" to the Fab 4
Nature Study
MacBeth's Blog
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mumofsix
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| Posted: Jan 15 2006 at 8:44pm | IP Logged
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Bridget - the mother of the grown son who spends all his time on the computer while living at home should assert decent "house rules". Even when grown, a son or daughter still living at home has the obligation to obey his/her parents' house rules and respect their values. In my home that would include holding electronic devices in common and using them moderately so as not to opt out of family life. Too many parents think they "cannot" ask anything of adult sons and daughters: wrong!
Jane.
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ALmom
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| Posted: Jan 15 2006 at 9:51pm | IP Logged
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This has been interesting being a lurker on your discussions. Now I have a better idea of what an ipod is! We just got a CD player a few years ago, plane cell phone 2 years ago and DVD 2 years ago (gift from an Uncle). These are our most up to date and fanciest electronic devices - so definitely behind the curve on technological devices.
Janet
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Rachel May
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| Posted: Jan 16 2006 at 9:29pm | IP Logged
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ALmom wrote:
| This has been interesting being a lurker on your discussions. Now I have a better idea of what an ipod is! |
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Janet,
You should have seen me trying to buy an IPod for my husband for Christmas. I didn't even know what they looked like until someone pointed them out to me. Oh, those things in the locked case? 
I just wish it were as easy to limit his earphone use as it would be with my kids. For the first few days all our conversations were me at my normal loud level and him yelling his replies. 
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Rachel
Thomas and Anthony (10), Maria (8), Charles (6), Cecilia (5), James (3), and Joseph (1)
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Patrick
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| Posted: Jan 16 2006 at 10:45pm | IP Logged
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As a recent graduate from childhood, or perhaps just a child, I've got a few comments on the iPod issue. First of all, the fact that something is prohibited and there's something keeping me from doing it just means that it's that much more fun bypassing the system. Often the best part is cracking the system. Like was said before, you really just need to teach your kids how to use the technology properly.
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mumofsix
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| Posted: Jan 17 2006 at 6:15am | IP Logged
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Good point, Patrick. I do know that my son worked out how to bypass Norton not because he wanted to look at anything terrible, but just because it was a fun challenge. The mountain was there, he wanted to climb it!
Jane.
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Mary G
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| Posted: Jan 17 2006 at 6:25am | IP Logged
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Patrick -- you make a good point here. We (I should say I HAVE TO) also have to remember that sometimes by allowing small freedoms we encourage the growth of maturity and right decision making.
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
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Molly Smith
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| Posted: Jan 29 2006 at 2:55pm | IP Logged
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Here's a scary article about the potential and realities of ipod technology.
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Molly Smith in VA
Mom to seven beautiful children, ages 1-14
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: iPods
