Ask Linsey: Beth in Chicago

Q: I love all the websites suggested to my family in the Glubble library collections, but some aren’t age-appropriate for my youngest children? How can I be sure that they aren’t accessing websites intended for the older siblings? (Beth in Chicago)

Great news! Glubble now allows parents to customize the collection of websites for each user! That means that your children can have a completely different set of websites available to each of them, based on their age and computer-literacy level.

A good way to determine if a website is going to help or hinder your child’s computer experience is to let them try it. Take some time at the beginning of your Glubble set up to browse each website alone. Remove any sites that you are certain wouldn’t be a good fit for that child.

Later, when you child is available, sit down together and try a few games and activities at each site. Ask questions of your child to see what their experience is:
• Are the games too difficult?
• Are the navigational links easy to find and click?
• Do they enjoy the activities at each particular site?
• What features do they enjoy the most? The least?
Use your child’s feedback to determine if each site is worthy of being included in that child’s personalized collection.

It may take some time to initially develop a collection of sites geared toward your child’s unique preferences and abilities. Once you have a basic library of sites approved, however, you can relax in knowing that each site will provide an encouraging and rewarding experience for your child.

As your child grows, you can edit or add to the collection, as you wish. Remember to keep talking, and feel free to use this time as a communication tool for future discussions with your children on everything from computers to the real world.

Have a question for Linsey? Ask away! Just submit your question to “Ask Linsey” and it might be featured in an upcoming installment.

About Glubble’s Kids Monitor (John, New York)

This week John from New York asks: “I like that Glubble allows me to see what websites my child has been viewing on the Internet. What are some good ways I can use that information?”

Being able to track your child’s Internet activity with Glubble’s Kids Monitor isn’t about spying on your kid. In fact, while it can give you more information on the places they might try to go, it’s best used as a tool for communication and learning.

Before your child even begins using Glubble, make sure that they know you can use Kids Monitor. Explain to them that you want them to feel safe when online, and that you will use the information in Kids Monitor to help them stay safe. Encourage questions regarding what is acceptable and what isn’t. Let them know that it isn’t always black or white – there are many great websites that aren’t suitable for your child (at least not yet, anyway.)

After each of your child’s Internet sessions, take time to check the Kids Monitor. Because it is located on your family page, you can see it anywhere (even at work). Make a few notes about what your child did that day, searches they may have attempted, or websites they showed an interest in. Use your new insight into your child’s browsing habits to open up discussion about their online activity. Examples of open-ended questions include:

− I noticed that you searched for turtles today. Are you learning about them at school, or is this a personal interest that I can help you explore further? There is an exhibit at the natural science museum on turtles this Friday. Do you think you might like to go?
− You’ve been spending a lot of time playing fashion games and activities. I like that you are taking an interest in fashion. Do you think there might be another kind of activity you would like to try next time?
− I think it’s great that you have been using your computer time to practice your math skills. I think 5 extra minutes of computer time would be a nice reward for all your hard work, don’t you?

Tracking your child’s computer use isn’t about being a “mean” parent. It allows you to step in their shoes and see the world through their eyes. By using the information you learn from Kids Monitor to encourage freedom and responsibility, you will open up communication and teach proper online habits in a natural and effective way.

Have a question for Linsey? Ask away! Just submit your question to “Ask Linsey” and it might be featured in an upcoming installment.

Ask Linsey: Question from Sherry (Richmond)

Q:  I feel like I’m just beginning to get a handle on teaching my kids basic manners, and now I have to somehow show them proper etiquette in the online world, too!  What can I do to ensure they are being polite and safe when using the Internet… and how is it different than in real life?

This is a common concern among parents these days, and you should be applauded for being proactive with your approach towards online etiquette.  While the Internet wasn’t designed to be a complete replacement for the way we communicate with friends and family (via phone, written letters, or in person), it has become a popular way for loved ones to chat and instant message from day to day and moment to moment.

Naturally, you will want to teach your child based on your family’s unique value system; but there are some standard common-sense principles that apply to most anyone going online.

Here are the guidelines for computer use in my home by my children.  You may find them to be useful in helping your kids understand proper “netiquette”:

1. Always tell a parent when you are going online.  If there is a timer that needs to be set, make sure it gets started when you begin using the computer.
2. Never reveal personal information to anyone not already approved by your parents.  If you think that a trusted friend of relative is behaving suspiciously, or you just have a bad feeling about a conversation, tell a trusted adult right away!
3. Emails to friends and families are a good way to communicate, but remember that they shouldn’t be abused.  Forwarding jokes, virus warnings, or chain letters can be amusing, but they can also be considered unwanted by many.  Make your messages personal, brief, and as considerate as you would make your real-life chats.  Give people adequate time to respond before following up.
4. Pre-approved websites are usually safe, but the Internet changes all the time.  If a site that you trust seems to be behaving funny (i.e. pop-up ads appear, links are broken, or your computer is not responding well), leave the website immediately, and tell a trusted adult.
5. Follow the same guidelines when using the computer at school, a friend’s house, or at the library.  Safety is an “everywhere” kind of thing.

These are just starter tips to use in conversing with your kids about the Internet.  Use your own positive and negative experiences to expound upon them, change them, or provide additional guidance.  Get your family talking, and revisit the topic often.  It’s all about keeping your kids healthy and safe online!

(For those new to Glubble: Yes, Glubble is free to join and enjoy – you can sign-up here or learn more through this 3-minute video)

Have a question for Linsey? Ask away! Just submit your question to “Ask Linsey” and it might be featured in an upcoming installment.

Ask Linsey: Question from Brittany (Atlanta)

Q: I’m really loving how Glubble has worked for our family, but I wish there was a way to get more families in my community involved.  Do you have any ideas for sharing it with others?

We think it’s fabulous that Glubble has helped bring your family together, and your excitement should be shared with other parents who appreciate computer learning and quality relationships.  Why not try one of these methods of “getting the word out?”

They’ve already worked for other Glubble families!

• Share Glubble with your local librarian.  With an emphasis on technology and the best environment for learning, your library is the perfect place to communicate the benefits of Glubble.  Not only will it keep web browsing kid-appropriate, it can foster healthy computer habits and make the librarian’s job easier.  The next time you’re in for new books, ask if you can set up a time to talk with your library board about Glubble.  (We think they’ll love it!)
• Enrich your next PTA meeting.  When parents and teacher come together, it’s only natural that they look for solutions that meet everyone’s needs.  Glubble is designed to be used in the home or the classroom. In fact, many teachers have already found it to be the perfect online tool for their students!
• Church groups use computers, too!  If your local fellowship is like most, they are always searching for a solution to the growing concern of online safety.  Why not lend a hand and introduce how Glubble has worked for your family?  You can even schedule a day to give “hands-on” lessons on the basic set-up and use of a Glubble Family account.
• Have a house party.  If there’s food and fun, most friends and neighbors will show up for any gathering!  Give your next gathering a Glubble theme, and let your guests know how you feel about this exciting new tool.  Be prepared to let folks take Glubble for a test-drive, and be sure to send everyone home with the information to get them started.  (Or just direct them to our Glubble News; for real-life tips and tricks for making the Internet a family experience.)

There are no right or wrong ways to start a discussion about Glubble.  Honestly share your experiences, and word is bound to get out.  Thanks for helping make Glubble the online social tool for families!

(For those new to Glubble: Yes, Glubble is free to join and enjoy – you can sign-up here or learn more through this 3-minute video)

Have a question for Linsey? Ask away! Just submit your question to “Ask Linsey” and it might be featured in an upcoming installment.

Ask Linsey: Question from Jill (Omaha)

Q:  I recently read that Glubble allows you to add all of your family members.  What are some of the ways extended family can use it to stay connected?

We love that social networking lets everyone share messages, photos, and special events – but it’s nearly impossible to know which, of all the social-networking sites, your entire family will be on. Glubble is the safest (and most fun!) way for family members from anywhere in the world to keep connected online, without the hassle of remembering the how, when, and where of communicating, because Glubble has everything you need to stay in touch.

Setting up family members is easy; just follow the step-by-step directions on our How-to page.  In no time at all, you can be chatting and sharing with extended family members—cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents—in  one convenient and personal online community…. your family’s community.

Here are some of the ways Glubble is working for other families:

- Siblings who have gone off to college find Glubble to be a secure way to stay involved with parents and younger siblings.  Photos of college life can be posted with ease (and we love that big brother or sis won’t be missed nearly as much with the simple messaging format!).

- Grandparents living far away will never have to miss an important reunion again!  They can share messages and photos from the most recent get-together or just stay in touch with what your family is doing daily.

- The birth of a new baby is a monumental event, but sadly can’t always be enjoyed by long-distance relatives.  Put pictures of the first smiles and laughs where everyone can see them using Glubble’s photo-sharing features.

As your family grows, so will Glubble.  Keep aunts, cousins, and your favorite half-nieces in the loop. All they have to do is download Glubble and, at the touch of a button, they’re connected.  Your family members will appreciate being invited into your Glubble family (and keeping tabs on your Uncle Melvin will seem so simple and fun!)

(If you’re new to Glubble, it’s free to join and enjoy – you can sign-up here or learn more through this 3-minute video)

Have a question for Linsey? Ask away! Just submit your question to “Ask Linsey” and it might be featured in an upcoming installment.

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