Can I limit MSN messenger?

[Andy Boz]

My 2 daughters seem to spend a ridiculous amount of time "chatting" on MSN. From what I have seen it's a different language of text speak and grunts, and I am concerned they are wasting their lives away. Is it possible to put a time limit on MSN so they do not stay on all night?

[WillnRach]

As far as I am aware you cannot put a time on msn or any other program, but what you can do is to obtain/aquire/purchase a copy of net nanny, on this it will monitor all sites visited, filter any suspicious sites or deny any sites that you request it also has a time function on it, I use it to stop my 4 boys playing games in the middle of the night. Hope this helps as an option.

[Machecoul]

How old are they?

Where is the computer they are using?

[Andy Boz]

13 & 15, in the living room. Also when I want to use it I get ' dissed' and it is causing arguments.

[Machecoul]

If you don't go with net nanny then you will have to sit down with them and draw up rules of usage or a timetable.

They need to be fair because the alternative is that they don't get to use it at all. Was it bought for them to use for school and for the family to use for their purposes? If that was the idea then that is what it is for. You can then set aside a time for them to use MSN (awful thought!) Put your foot down, don't get into an argument with them. Just say this is the way it is going to be.

They will get over it - eventually.

When they buy their own that is another matter.

Having got two daughters - thankfully older and at home when all we had was an old BBC machine I didn't have this problem - just the little problems that two girls can cause.

It won't be easy - but good luck.