I know that I need to ensure that my kids behave. I use whatever means I have at my disposal. When the kids were little, taking a special toy away or not letting my child have dessert was enough to get the children back to acting correctly. But, my children are older and their special toys are cell phones and computer use. The kids know that I can take away the phone whenever I need to.

Some parents who are frightened to discipline their children would never take away their child’s phone. I worry about kids who have permissive parents. Sadly these are the same parents who will buy alcohol for a teen party to “keep the teens at their house and off the roads.” Shudder.

At the Cox Teen Summit on Internet and Cellphone Safety, @KeyInfluencer, the moderator, shared that in his house their are two kind of cellphones. I attended the summit a week or so ago. James Andres told the teens, moms, and dads in the audience, and special guest John Walsh that in his house the “cell phone with the bells and whistles” is for kids who behave and get good grades. The “cell phone that only makes voice calls” is the phone his kids get if their behavior is not what it should be. LOVE THIS IDEA!!!

Our kids’ cell phones were purchased as a way for the kids to contact my husband and I. If the kids use the phones to chat or text friends that is a bonus. The kids know that we are in charge of the phones.

Are you in control of your child’s cell phone or are they?

As a mom of a 7-year-old, 11-year-old, and 14-year-old I cannot avoid the internet. The big kids want to be online. Even my youngest clamors to be on the computer. It’s summer and when the kids are not outside or at the pool, the lure of the screen is huge. I monitor the TV shows they watch. I decide which movies are appropriate. So why wouldn’t I do the same for the internet?

Here’s an article from my blog: http://www.musingsfromme.com/spreading-the-news-about-yoursp…

Yoursphere is FREE. Sign up for free membership using code YSMC-0051. You don’t need the code, but if you use it you and I will both be entered in to a drawing for a gift card. YSMC-0051

I have blogged extensively about my passion for keeping kids safe online.

When I first went online I was a married 20-something. The extent of my online life was checking e-mail once a month — I had very few friends who had e-mail accounts back then. Come to think of it the internet was a nicer place back then. Very little spam. I kind of remember single digit e-mails in my in-box. Can you imagine! Viruses became more of an issue as e-mail entered the workplace.

I don’t know when I first heard about online predators targeting young children, but I am sure I was shocked to the core. No amount of training can prepare you for the shock and outrage of crimes against children, tweens, and teens.

I was thrilled to be invited to the Cox 5th National Teen Summit on Internet & Wireless Safety in Washington, D.C. I was anxious to hear what the teens had to say about online safety. My daughter is a young teen. As the oldest grandchild on both sides of the family, she is a trailblazer. Anything she does whether academic or artistic or online is subject to scrutiny. We want to give her the tools necessary to do everything safely.

The teens were inspiring. The teens told how they help the teens and tweens in their community navigate the internet, Facebook, cell phone use, sexting, and many other issues. The teens were emceed by the awe-inspiring John Walsh. Questions from twitter were handled by @KeyInfluencer AKA James Andrews. Andrews asked the teens probing questions. Walsh challenged the teens to give precise, fact-filled answers. Many of the teens head up groups dedicated to teaching online safety in their high schools or at boys and girls clubs.

The Cox Teen Summit covered many topics. I took copious notes. There was one main theme brought up throughout the summit. Schools need to teach kids about online safety as part of the curriculum.

Cell Phones

• Sexting is still a big problem for tweens. Teens see younger kids as having too much freedom with cell phones.
• Walsh urged that kids as who walk to and from school or take a bus need a cell phone — even if they are as young as 7-8. He cited a couple of recent abductions where kids who walk/take the bus to school were stalked. Could have used phone to call for help.
• Walsh said if Mom/Dad were worried about cell phone abuse by younger kids Mom/Dad could block all calls except emergency or calls to Mom/Dad.
• Teens suggested prepaid cell phones.
• Walsh “Texting is the crack of teens.”
• Walsh, Andrews, and teens love Oprah’s Texting Ban. Have you signed the pledge?
• Fact: Texting while driving causes more accidents than drunk driving.
• What’s on the horizon for online/wireless technology? Video chat on phones.

Internet and Social Networks

• Do a Google Alert for your kids to find out what they are doing online.
• Start and continue a dialogue with your kids about what they are doing online.
• Most of the teens have friended their parents.
• All of the teens had taught a family member how to use Facebook.
• Teens talked of learning what to post and what not to post on their walls.
• Andrews told teens “to think about what they are putting up on the internet.”
• Teens talked about how everything they post online could be viewed by college admissions and potential employers.
• Teens asserted that “Privacy is a Privilege.”
• Walsh: “It is time for parents to parent up and find out what their kids are doing on the internet.”
• Parents, teachers, and kids need to learn Facebook privacy settings, so that they know how much of their profile is available for review.
• Walsh ” Teens and tweens give up too much information about themselves.” Bad characters are out there waiting to find vulnerable teens and tweens.
• Teens asked “How much is too much information?”
• Everyone hates ChatRoulette — lots of “creepy guys” per Walsh — and Formspring.

Schools

• There should be a policy of anonymity in schools so that students can report bullying without fear of retribution.
• Walsh said that America’s Most Wanted doesn’t trace or tap calls. People can call in without “fear of getting in trouble.”
• Teens said there should be safe rooms at school where kids can go for help.
• Cyber bullying and regular bullying are very different. Many school counselors are not trained to deal with cyberbullying.
• Kids need to be taught how to use social networks.
• At one time it was an option for kids to be on Facebook, now it is a given that most teens will be online in social networking sites.
• Teens need to be taught rules for online behavior.

Identity Theft

• Teens talked of experiences with identity theft. One teen said that a relative had tried to steal her identity online.
• Walsh said that identity theft is big business with kids lured to buy a “free download” with Mom and Dad’s credit card. Kids don’t realize they are being duped.
• Walsh told of unscrupulous census takers who go from house to house gathering information about inhabitants.

Families and Online Safety

• Families need to work together to come up with a set of rules for their children.
• Andrews says tweak rules as necessary.
• Walsh “Kids and teens want rules and boundaries.”
• Parents should go over boundaries with kids. Discuss consequences and punishments.
• Parents should not assume that teens understand the rules. Go over rules to make sure kids understand.

Walsh made a statement that stuck with me. He spoke of the kids who are neglected and abandoned by their parents. He praised the work of the Boys and Girls Clubs in finding these kids and giving them something to live for…education, camaraderie, hope.

Walsh urged the teens at the summit and the teens at home:

If you see something bad happening, say something. You will save someone’s life.

The teens reminded everyone that they are a “strong force.”

You all know that I am passionate about online safety and I promote Yoursphere to everyone I meet. Yoursphere is a site where my teen can exercise her creativity by writing and getting her peers to comment on her writing…my tween can create spheres about subjects that she is passionate about, like Converse sneakers and Silly Bandz…and my kid can play a game where zombies attack vegetables. Yes, I said vegetables! He was roaring with laughter as he told me how the zombie tried to stomp on the broccoli. Yoursphere has a little something for every kid!

So about those two things…

1. The founder of Yoursphere — Mary Kay Hoal, mom of 5 and internet entrepreneur — auditioned for her own Oprah show. Yes, that’s right Mary Kay wants to strut her stuff on TV! Mary Kay’s idea for a show centers around finding ways for families to talk about online safety. As a mom, I know that my kids go the internet before they research a project, play a game, contact a friend, etc. I want to find ways to talk to my kids about staying safe on the internet. Mary Kay’s video focuses on conversations you could have with little kids, big kids, and the moms in your neighborhood about staying safe online. To vote for her to be chosen to have an Oprah TV show, go here.
2. If you want to learn more about Yoursphere, go here. Yoursphere is now FREE. That’s right…Free…no membership fees…no messages about “your account has expired”…just a FREE service for kids to play and parents to relax knowing their child is safe. I have a FREE code — YSMC-0051 — for you to use to get the FREE membership. You do not need the code to join, but if you use the code you will be entered in to a drawing for a $50 gift card. It’s a win-win…your child or children get a FREE service to play on and you get a chance at winning a gift card! Use Code YSMC-0051!

I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review.

As a young mom I safety proofed my house, used car safety seats until the kids were 8 years old, held hands when we crossed a parking lot, and cut their food in to teeny tiny pieces. You might think that I would be relieved to remove the last door knob cover, but safety proofing doesn’t end when your child can open a door. Now that my children are no longer babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, why would I let down my guard?

When my oldest first asked to go online she was about 5 or 6. She had heard a commercial. She desperately wanted to go to Nickjr.com to play Blues Clues. I sat with her as she clicked around in the games. l taught her to stay on the Nick website.

Her Nick days faded when a friend told her about Club Penguin. Club Penguin was pushed aside when Webkinz hit Hallmark stores and everywhere. Webkinz were the Silly Bandz of 2008.

The pull of Webkinz faded for my daughter when she was about 10. She desperately wanted her own e-mail. She needed to start a web page. Had she heard about Facebook she would have wanted an account. I was not ready for all these new endeavors.

I let her have an e-mail in 6th grade. The web site was launched in 5th grade. But, Facebook was a no go. She begged. She pleaded. Apparently every 6th and then 7th grade friend was on Facebook. I held firm.

I discovered Yoursphere over a year ago. Yoursphere is a social network site for kids, tweens, and teens that is for kids only. No adults. Parents can sign up their kids for Yoursphere, but must go through an online security program. Here’s the link to Yoursphere’s safety policy.

Yoursphere was an alternative to Facebook. My daughter got to play on a site that wasn’t babyish, while I had the reassurance that she was in a safe environment online.

I recently became a Yoursphere Test Drive Mom. I am thrilled to let you know that Yoursphere is now FREE! I have a code for you to use if you want to sign your child/tween/teen up for Yoursphere. Use Code YSMC-0051 to sign up for a FREE membership.

You can sign up without the code, but… Anyone who uses my code  — YSMC-0051 — to register on Yoursphere.com will be entered into a weekly drawing to win a $50 gift card! The Yoursphere Test Drive Mom with the most referrals above 200 will win a $1000 American Express gift card!

I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review.

I had the unbelievable good fortune to win a laptop computer. I was thrilled not only to win, but to try out a new type of computer.

The litl is a computer that is simple to use. Now, how often do you see the word “simple” and “computer” in the same sentence? Never, right?

Once I arrived home from the brand/blogger gathering I unpacked the computer. I was surprised at how light (weighs about 3.5 ibs) and thin the litl is. I pressed the button on the side to turn the computer on. The first screen asked me to select a wireless network. No modem or wires or cables needed — only wireless.

The second screen showed a series of boxes. Some are preset — weather, clock, and media. I got to work adding my own boxes to the litl. First up e-mail. I typed my e-mail host in to the search box at the top, hit Enter, and my e-mail popped up. I saved the box so that I can check my e-mail each time. I played around with starting and deleting and rearranging the boxes on the screen. Next up I added boxes for the kids…PBSKids, Webkinz, and Yoursphere. Facebook for Coach Dad and me.

No more Windows with folders and subdirectories on top of other folders and yet more directories jamming the screen. Can you say clutter? My laptop AND desktop computer screens (and hard drives for that matter) are a cluttered jumbled mess. And just try getting rid of a Windows folder or a program…another mess!

The litl does not have a harddrive. Everything you need is stored on the internet. There is no CD or DVD drive only a USB port, a place to plug in an HDMI cable, and a power button. No software to install, either.

—

From the litl website, here’s a description of the litl:

We love the web. It’s full of useful stuff, and it’s a great way to connect with friends and family. But we hate computers. At least the mainstream ones that we’ve been using. They’re unnecessarily complex for everyday tasks like browsing and checking email. So we hit the reset button by designing a first-of-its-kind computer that lets you enjoy the web without worrying about anything else.

With the webbook, you can do everything you can normally do with a web browser, and you can use the litl’s apps for a new way to experience the Internet. Carry the webbook around the house to

• Watch your favorite TV shows and movies
• Listen to music, talk radio, and podcasts
• Check email, news, and weather
• View and share photos
• Look up and use new recipes

We also flipped traditional hardware design on its head to make it easier to use. You can bend the webbook over into an easel for a more TV-like viewing experience. When you’re not actively using it, set the webbook on your desk, or counter to stream news headlines and photos. You can even connect it to a big-screen TV.

Best of all, we built the webbook as a computer without all the computery stuff – it just works. We packed the webbook with intuitive software that takes care of all maintenance, automatically and free of charge.

How does it work?

Using wifi, the webbook accesses all your content over the Internet — that means that you store your documents, music, emails, and photos, online where you can access them from the webbook or any other computer. No more worrying about hard drive crashes and data recovery — let your web services handle that for you.

You’ll also never see a pop-up about your virus protection being out of date, or a missing security patch required. The webbook automatically takes care of system updates, patches, and virus protection and even sends you new features and upgrades. Just leave your webbook plugged in overnight, and we do the rest.

—

Oooo, I almost forgot! I have a deal for you to use to get your own litl computer! Go to litl.com/momdeal by July 1, 2010, to get $100 off a litl webbook! Oh and did I mention that the litl deal includes FREE shipping and a FREE remote!

I was invited to attend the Silicon Valley Moms Blog Brand/Blogger Symposium. I won a litl as part of a drawing. The views expressed in this article are my own.

As a college student DJ, my radio show was called “Technical Difficulties.” Skipped records, locked myself out of the studio, broke the sound cart…you name it I did it. At my house I regularly struggle to turn the wii on for the children. I’ll say to the kids: “What am I doing wrong?” “Why is the screen blank?” “Do I press Aux 1 or Digi 1 to get the wii to come on?” My children are more techie than I am. One will reach for the 3 remote controls and fix the problem. BTW, 3 remote controls is not helpful if you are #notatechie…I’m just saying…

At a recent brand/blogger gathering in northern Virginia, I was surprised — nay shocked — with the depth (for me!) of my computer knowledge. I was chatting  to two reps from litl. Annie was explaining the litl to me. She said that the litl is a computer that uses wireless internet. I nodded, but was thinking “wireless?” She went on to explain that the litl does not have a hard drive. My first thought was “no harddrive crashes.” But, my second thought was “Where is the data stored if there is no hard drive?” Annie explained that all the data is stored online at flickr, shutterfly, google docs, your e-mail server, etc. I burst out with “Cloud Computing!” I’m sure I caught her off guard. I’m generally either completely disinterested in computer/tech speak OR I nod my head alot and say “ummm” and “aahhh” to show that I understand.

At the drawing at the end of the event, the business cards we exchanged with the PR/brand reps were put in a drawing for some fabulous prizes. Guess what? I won a litl computer!!! You should have seen me juggling a few bags, a plate of food, and trying to leap over other bags to receive my computer! I was shocked when I heard my name called. In the photo above, I look as though I am about to fall on Jordan Newman of litl, don’t I?

My next post will explain my first impressions of the litl. What do I think of it so far? I love it…that is when my family have allowed me to use it!

Oooo, I almost forgot! I have a code for you to use to get your own litl computer! Go to litl.com/momdeal by July 1, 2010 to get $100 off a litl webbook! Oh and did I mention that the litl deal includes FREE shipping and a FREE remote!

I was invited to attend the Silicon Valley Moms Blog Brand/Blogger Symposium. I won a litl as part of a drawing. The views expressed in this article are my own.

I wrote about our homework struggles. While most of the country’s kids are skipping out of school, our county’s kids are “still going and going” — like the Energizer Bunny. I complained about how much time we spend at volleyball tournaments. I even wrote letters to my kids. The post I need to write is about our summer plans. So here goes…

Nine years ago we joined a swim club. Back then I had a 2-month-old, a 4-year-old, and a 7-year-old. When our name came to top of the waitlist I strongly argued to my husband that we NEEDED to join the swim club. He was very much opposed as our children were young and taking all three children swimming was a two-person job.

I prevailed. We joined the club. Even my husband agrees that it was the best decision. The year after joining the swim club, the older two kids jumped in to the swim team. Best decision #2. Our summers for the last eight years have been dominated by the swim team…in a good way.

Our mornings are all about swim practice. Our afternoons are a little more unpredictable. Some days we stay at the pool — my youngest loves this. Some days we stay at home — my oldest loves this. Some days we go on a excursion — kids’ excitement level varies! But, what do we do with the time when we are at home.

The kids would love to be plugged in all day long. Quite honestly some days I am plugged in all day long. So, I have prepared a plan…

The Musings from Me family plan for “use of anything with a plug.”

• Following on from the school year, there will be no TV before breakfast and swim practice on weekdays. On weekends, TV can be watched in the mornings.
• Once swim practice is over, kids will play outside or inside.
• If inside kids will ask permission for screen time only after summer workbook pages and reading have been completed.
• Chores need to be done before screentime or “use of anything with a plug.”
• In the evenings, kids can watch TV if we are watching as a family.
• If kids want to go online, permission will be needed from a parent.

Online use in our house could be PBS Kids, Webkinz, or Yoursphere. I find all three sites to be a safe place for my kid, my tween, and my teen. Yoursphere is a site that my teen used extensively during the school year. My tween is very involved on Yoursphere…playing games…racking up points…starting spheres or groups…and having a good time. My youngest is asking to join. I think I might sign him up this weekend.

Speaking of signing up for Yoursphere… Yoursphere is now FREE! Yay FREE!. Kids, tweens, and teens can sign up. Moms and dads when you are signing up your kids, be sure to use Code YSMC-0051.

Yoursphere has an exciting incentive for Musings from Me readers tied to my referral code! Anyone who uses Code YSMC-0051 to register on Yoursphere.com will be entered into a weekly drawing to win a $50 gift card. The Yoursphere Test Drive Mom with the most referrals above 200 will win a $1000 American Express gift card!

So, you can sign up for Yoursphere for FREE using Code: YSMC-0051 and we will both be entered in to a drawing for a gift card. Thanks for helping me have a chance to win the gift card!

I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review.

My tween was at first reluctant to join Yoursphere. She might have been annoyed that I asked her to do something. I am the resident nag. Or, she might have felt that she didn’t want to try Yoursphere since her sister has a Yoursphere account. Who knows?

Last week I finally persuaded her to sign up for a Yoursphere account. Within a short period of time she was hooked. She played a few games…joined a few spheres…met a few friends…all in a safe environment. For the skinny on safety controls on Yoursphere, go here.

The tween was so excited about the spheres on Yoursphere that she started a few of her own. Silly bands? I’m sure if you have a kid in elementary or middle school you have heard of these silcone bands in the shape of animals, castles, dinos, and letters. The craze is sweeping my daughter’s grade at school. Apparently silly bands are the topic of conversation at lunch! My daughter and her friends trade the bands with each other.

So how did my tween combine her love for Silly Bands with her new love for Yoursphere? She started a group for Silly Bands on Yoursphere! On Yoursphere groups are called SPHERES.

Her other passion Converse sneakers! Yep, she started a group called Colorful Converse as well!!

I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review.

I assured that her that Yoursphere was fun. She didn’t believe me! Her older sister told her that Yoursphere is fun. She decided to give a whirl.

The tween is 11, but tends to play on Webkinz and Club Penguin. I love both sites. No complaints from me about the tween playing on either site. I wanted to let the tween play on a site like Yoursphere where she could do a variety of activities rather than just one activity.

Yoursphere is now FREE to join. No membership fees at all! If you want to check out Yoursphere, go here. If you decide to sign up your child, would you consider using this FREE code YSMC-0051. If you use this code, I will be entered in to a drawing for a gift card!

My tween logged on to the site one evening. The next day she was abuzz with the points she had earned for playing games…the photo she uploaded of herself using the webcam…and the friends she had met online. I was thrilled for her. I think she was glad she joined. Not that she said anything to me!

I was thrilled that she stepped out of her comfort zone to try something new. I was excited that she was excited about doing something new. It’s the little things with kids, isn’t it?

This week I asked her what was new on Yoursphere. Since she is 11, I have allowed her to set up her own account. I stepped in to complete the parent part of the signup process. She makes all the decisions for her time on Yoursphere. I monitor the parent page from time to time.

I have found with my girls that doing a weekly/daily check in about what they are doing online works. The tween and teen know that I need to know who they are talking to — with Yoursphere I know that all kids online ARE kids.

I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review.