Windows Live IM for Kids?

My 10-yr old came to me asking if I can set her up for
http://get.live.com/messenger - I know it's Windows Live and assume it's the
latest Messenger product Microsoft is working on, but the question is...is this
appropriate for a 10-yr old to have on her computer? I don't do IM so I'm
basically clueless <g>.

Dana

That's a tough one danacline, if you think your child is only interested in
talking with their friends that they know in real life it probably isn't a
problem (no different to talking to them on the phone I guess and has the
benefit of being cheaper) but if they want to do it to "meet new
people" I would have to say no unless you make them acutely aware of the
dangers of the internet and so forth...

 

It's not half obvious I don't have kids or anything is it?

Hi Dana,

I know quite a lot of 10 years (and less) old children using MSN Messenger (the
same service as Live Messenger) and they all use it to talk with friends.

Of course, there is danger (as there is in the street and elsewhere) but I think
you can reduce it a lot telling your child 

- not to give away his e-mail address to unknown people
- not to talk to unknown people
- to stop a conversation as soon as he/she is uncomfortable with it
- that he/she can ask your help in case of problems

Kind regards

Hans

I think another big one is (which will no doubt annoy your children) regulate
usage so that they don't become to dependent on it so it doesn't become a matter
of them sitting on the computer for 8 hours a day

In addition to the other suggestions, create a safe list of friends and add to
it as necessary.  Block all other contacts.  It's the safest way if you're not
going to be in close proximity.  There are a lot of people out there who prey on
children and IM is one of the fastest ways to make contact.