Parental Control Software

FAMILY MEDIA AGREEMENT

Before installing any of the parental control software listed below please think about generating a Family Media agreement.

The conversation and preparation that contribute to developing a family agreement or contract are often more important than the final document. In these family discussions parents will need to arm themselves with information about digital natives, address values, and encourage common sense. Parents will also need to help their children think about what to do in unexpected situations, and encourage them speculate on how to cope with friends who encourage them to misbehave. The more personal and relevant the agreement, the better.

Then, too, adults should understand that the preparation and writing process is not a one-way street. A child may make a pointed observation or come up with a thoughtful idea about the digital issues contained in the agreement. Perhaps he or she feels strongly about certain types of access, time limits, or other parental expectation. Maybe there are compelling reasons to grant access to one site or another, even though the parent has reservations. It is also important the parents and other important family members model the behaviour that they expect of their child.

Sometimes children have a better sense of the digital landscape than their parents do, so listening is critical. As a result of back-and-forth conversation, a parent may decide to adjust the agreement, taking the child’s perspective into consideration.

Advice for parents

Blogger Susan Lucille Davis, who recently published A Letter to Parents of Digital Age Students on the Getting Smart blog, focuses on what parents can do to help their children become smart and savvy consumers of information.

Below is my list of well-written contracts and agreements as well as sites that address important topics for parents to include if an agreement is written from scratch.

You can also check out these links on this Contracts and Agreements page