Daughter has a New Laptop with Webcam.....Help!!!!

Originally posted by autowrench
reply to post by pointr97

 

Get yourself some JB Weld. This is an epoxy cement. Mix a small amount, follow the instructions. Using a small applicator, apply the epoxy to the web cam window surface. This will not harm the laptop in any way. The web cam can also be disabled in Device Manager, disable or un-install drivers, but a savvy kid would easily be able to restore the drivers. My wife's Toshiba Satellite has a build in web cam, but she keeps it disabled, because all of the men she talks to wants her to take off her clothes. Tell her a web cam can not only be used for spying on a person, they can also download a worm in the background, this can file through a computer hard drive, looking for and gaining email addresses, phone numbers, credit card transactions, passwords, and any other private information, like naked pictures, or whatever is on the agenda of the worm owner.
Your daughter, depending on how she is handing puberty, could one day find herself on a porn website, this has happened before. Many people have their IDs stolen every day, the Internet is not a safe place for anyone. I'll tell you how paranoid the wife and I are about the Internet...we disable all outside hosts, never store HTML cookies, and never accept 3rd party cookies, this is in "Internet Options" in Control Panel. Just click "overide automatic coolies handling, and block all 3rd party. We run a proxy, the closest we can be tracked in Hardin, Va. and I assure you we do not live at Time Warner in Hardin Va. We run Linux, she runs PC Linus OS, I run Fedora 15 86_64. We both run encrypted hard drives, swap file, and Home partition, with strong passwords. We both run Firefox 9, loaded with security software, and network tweaked, all chrome disabled, like tool tips, something IE or Chrome cannot do.

Take care, and watch your daughter's friends on the web.

I run Antivirus/Firewall software and Peerblock only, combined with a standard router firewall and have never either had a virus, nor been hacked EVER - despite having been a daily and heavy Internet user since the good ol days of 33.6k dial up modems. All it takes is a little common sense mate, no need to lock down the network like Fort Knox. if a link looks too good to be true, it most probably is etc etc.

Don't forget that any decent virus ever written was programmed to detect and enable webcam. Ever wonder where all the videos of people getting dressed come from? Well now you know.

Keep the machine fully patched, run root kit detection (kaspery) as well as standard windows updates/anti virus. I personally have my cam covered up as I am paranoid/careful.

As for software, I have never used anything like this in this context, why dont you just make yourself the admin on her machine and set these programs up to store history? You could make it so a password is required to run skype etc, eg must be "run as administrator" and set up whatever other parental controls you feel are required. In this way perhaps a deterrent may reel in her behaviour rather than secretly monitoring her?

Im sorry but I dont really want to explain to someone how to watch a 14 year old on webcam on a public forum. Essentially the best tools are the ones used in the "underworld" never forget that.

I agree with the poster above about not wanting her to get too much privacy ie door open approach. One of my friends younger brothers watched a lot of the "islamist execution" videos aged 14 for pure shock value I guess (certainly not an extremist, just a daft white kid) He should never have been exposed to that but alas the internets are what they are. Parents should understand a bit more about computing though

reply to post by pointr97


There is a software you can downlaod without her knowing where you can view her every move and key stroke including her passwords.

I did on all my kid's computers until they turned 18 years of age.

I know it's sneaky but at 14 and knowing whats out there in cyberspace, you are only protecting your daughter.

I also suggest you download a tracker on her smartphone so you know where she is at all times.

Instead of spying on her you could always disable her webcam. 14 year olds don't need to have a webcam anyways, it only leads to cam sexing and her teasing older guys.

If it's a windows operating system go to control panel. In control panel there will be an option for hardware and sound. Under devices and printers there will be a button for device manager. In device manager, under the imaging devices drop down there will be a webcam option in which you can right click and disable.

reply to post by jvm222


Unless he is admin she will just re enable the cam. there will probably be a BIOS option to disable as well but same, best having admin rights.

Originally posted by pointr97

She has already been told that.....however, she is still a kid, her mom walked in on her in her bra and the skype was on to a male friend....I don't know much more than that, you know if she was out of frame or not.


To the other post....No, this generation is not more mature than the last few at that age, we actually grew up......This generation has zero ability to interact socially.....and that is based on the simple aspect they didn't go out and play, they sat in front of some screen playing or watching something....

Lol, I doubt she was out of frame my friend.

Sorry, but I honestly don't think people normally Skype in their underwear..

Especially teenage girls talking to teenage boys.

Wouldn't the best thing you could do is set up some kind of parental controls on the laptop..Or better yet, give her a hand-me-down laptop with no webcam on it, & one that you know you could monitor or summat.

However, trust would be the best route..But I know how you parents are.

Originally posted by ChaoticOrder
reply to post by pointr97

 

First of all, have you ever heard of a Google search? I'm sure you'll find what you are looking for with a few simple searches. It can't really be that hard.

Secondly, I am interested in knowing what it is you don't want her doing on the internet? Talking to weird guys or something? I highly doubt she's that stupid. Browsing sites like ATS? She has the right to read anything on ATS. Downloading pirated movies/music? Everyone does it at some point. Looking at adult websites? Do you really want to know that?

It's not like she's going to join anonymous and start hacking into large company websites...

chill out man, the guy is just concerned about his daughter seeing the wrong # on the internet. No one here said anything about ATS or Google searching, so why don't you take your pretentious writings elsewhere

why is it that every american family has to destroy knowledge and wisdom for their children. i think its high time we let them learn, stop shielding them, and let them grow to become better than us. you want your child to grow up stupid? then block those websites, and hide information from her. do you still tell her that santa clause is real?

My granddaughter is not allowed to have her computer in her room.

It sits in the living room on a small desk - screen facing out.

We do have PC anywhere on it - - and she has to give us any passwords she uses. (also her phone)

We do not block her from using Facebook or Skype or any sites. She is free to use it as she wishes. But she is not free to use it the privacy of her bedroom.

Her mom regularly checks her Facebook page and removes anything she thinks is too much information.

Teenage media privacy? Not under this roof.

EDIT: Oh and we are not being sneaky - - she knows we can monitor her computer. We also have GPS tracking on her phone and an alarm set for the time she is supposed to be at school in the morning.

just tell her to NEVER EVER strip or get naked in front of the webcam (also take care to not change dresses or so, give her a small sticker or something to put it over the webcam if shes not using it)...NEVER even if its a privat chat and it seems nobody can "record" it or join without her knowing, the bad people know how to do that (maybe tell her there is software to record the screen)...NEVER...also to not upload ANY nude/sexy pics to the PC (in case someone is hacking it he'll see them, tell her that truth and she'll know it's not cool/is ashamed of the idea someone else/strange will see her naked, also on facebook and stuff...tell her that facebook can be hacked, mention some stars tht got hacked to show her that its not all fantasy...)

thats all....


getting hacked/a trojan is really not preventable anymore and a "filter" is unrealistic and will build a reason to check why/and how to get behind it....besides shes 14 and not 10 anymore....time has changed these days...

Kudos to you for being a caring parent and for attempting to put boundaries in place for your

daughter. Like all teens she thinks she knows it all! However she is young and needs your

guidance till she has more time and experience under her belt.


You could do worse than take some of the advice from NiteNGale2, autowrench, remyrange,

and SilverStarGazer all very good advice imo.


I think your main problem is the webcam i know from the teens in my family that. that is where

most problems arrise among their peer's. My daughter [the mother] knows all their passwords

and she glances regularly through their fb's etc.and they know it as she refers to conversations

eg. "I see so and so is getting a lot of detensions lately" or "so an so's mother hasn't been

well?"

This keeps it within the family and my daughter gets to know what her daughters get up to, In

my opinion secrecy and isolation allows coercion from the older and more experienced friends.


And again Kudos to you for caring enough to make bounderies [there's not enough of them

these days] And with your attitude i'm sure you'll get through this phase fine! GOOD LUCK

For all those who say "Just Tell Her".

Are you or have you raised a teenage daughter? I somehow doubt it.

Originally posted by pointr97
reply to post by BanMonsanto

 

did i say anything about limiting....nope, don't think so....I also was pretty clear about discrete...meaning, I want her to be herself, but would like to catch a problem sign before it becomes a problem. If that needs explained further, you have no experience being a dad to a teenage girl....I am almost 40, and if my boss feels it is warranted to monitor my activity discretely......then monitoring a mentally immature girl with free access to the internet with webcam and no real idea of the ramifications of a bad decision is kinda a mute point, don't you agree?

Your daughter is 19 and legally adult. It is just wrong to spy on her internet habits like that even if you are parents.

My daughter is 7 and has been using the computer since before 2. She is a total technology geek and can navigate and fix computer issues like any well versed adult

But I monitor her activity closely....she can only be on her laptop when im in the room....and she has been told a zillion times what not to do, etc..

She is an avid WoW and Stars Wars player - been playing WoW since 3 (seriously) and she knows never ever to talk in the chat rooms....she understands bad verse good and has a good head on her shoulders....

Im not too worried....

She has a webcam too but uses it to make videos with her dolls (reinactments) and send to family



Hang in there dad

Originally posted by greeneyedleo
My daughter is 7 and has been using the computer since before 2. She is a total technology geek and can navigate and fix computer issues like any well versed adult

But I monitor her activity closely....she can only be on her laptop when im in the room....and she has been told a zillion times what not to do, etc..

She is an avid WoW and Stars Wars player - been playing WoW since 3 (seriously) and she knows never ever to talk in the chat rooms....she understands bad verse good and has a good head on her shoulders....

Im not too worried....

She has a webcam too but uses it to make videos with her dolls (reinactments) and send to family

Hang in there dad

edit on January 17th 2012 by greeneyedleo because: (no reason given)

Wow, so do you think it is healthy for a child so young to be on the computer for so many hours a day at her ages? I mean 2-7 that is 5 years of a lot of computer use.

Would honestly be curious to know how she has developed and if you notice any issues, addictions, social problems, etc?

I am not criticizing but seriously asking, as we have been debating how much technology to expose our nephew to when he gets older, as you read so many negative things about exposing toddlers/children to technology, etc.

thanks!

reply to post by pointr97


Dont go there, I have a 13 year old who has a pc in her room, most the time she comes and sits downstairs with me and uses the laptop behind my desktop, without trying to hide anything from me. I have bought her up to know the dangers of the net , but i also understand that she has to have her freedom, i know and love and trust her enough to know that she knows right from wrong and also know if there is something that she is worried about , then she will coem and ask my advice.

Give some trust and it will be rewarded, have some faith. educate educate educate but do not rule.

Originally posted by DJM8507

Originally posted by greeneyedleo
My daughter is 7 and has been using the computer since before 2. She is a total technology geek and can navigate and fix computer issues like any well versed adult

But I monitor her activity closely....she can only be on her laptop when im in the room....and she has been told a zillion times what not to do, etc..

She is an avid WoW and Stars Wars player - been playing WoW since 3 (seriously) and she knows never ever to talk in the chat rooms....she understands bad verse good and has a good head on her shoulders....

Im not too worried....

She has a webcam too but uses it to make videos with her dolls (reinactments) and send to family

Hang in there dad

edit on January 17th 2012 by greeneyedleo because: (no reason given)

Wow, so do you think it is healthy for a child so young to be on the computer for so many hours a day at her ages? I mean 2-7 that is 5 years of a lot of computer use.

Would honestly be curious to know how she has developed and if you notice any issues, addictions, social problems, etc?

I am not criticizing but seriously asking, as we have been debating how much technology to expose our nephew to when he gets older, as you read so many negative things about exposing toddlers/children to technology, etc.

thanks!

edit on 17-1-2012 by DJM8507 because: (no reason given)

moderation in everything is key....many kids in her class do not even know how to use a mouse or even navigate anything on a computer which i find very shocking and very sad....
she is VERY VERY tech savy....she can take any electronics and figure it out on her own...
she is super popular and very social and athletic...
she is in 2nd grade reading at adult level...been reading since preschool....
she is at the top of her class in grades.....in advanced groups for reading and math...
she writes stories....she has bookshelf of journals of stories she has written...most are pretty cheesy to us adults...but her mind is amazing and imaginative!
she is a total science nerd and can give anyone a lesson on all that goes on in space.....

she even watches TV *gasp* again, everything in moderation, but i dont keep computers and TV from her....
she has had her laptop since 5....

technology is a way of life.....not teaching kids this stuff and keeping them from it is a disservice IMO....

i dont give a crap about what studies say...every child is different and mine eats up this kind of information...so i feed it to her it will only do her good in the long run....

Originally posted by greeneyedleo

Originally posted by DJM8507

Originally posted by greeneyedleo
My daughter is 7 and has been using the computer since before 2. She is a total technology geek and can navigate and fix computer issues like any well versed adult

But I monitor her activity closely....she can only be on her laptop when im in the room....and she has been told a zillion times what not to do, etc..

She is an avid WoW and Stars Wars player - been playing WoW since 3 (seriously) and she knows never ever to talk in the chat rooms....she understands bad verse good and has a good head on her shoulders....

Im not too worried....

She has a webcam too but uses it to make videos with her dolls (reinactments) and send to family

Hang in there dad

edit on January 17th 2012 by greeneyedleo because: (no reason given)

Wow, so do you think it is healthy for a child so young to be on the computer for so many hours a day at her ages? I mean 2-7 that is 5 years of a lot of computer use.

Would honestly be curious to know how she has developed and if you notice any issues, addictions, social problems, etc?

I am not criticizing but seriously asking, as we have been debating how much technology to expose our nephew to when he gets older, as you read so many negative things about exposing toddlers/children to technology, etc.

thanks!

edit on 17-1-2012 by DJM8507 because: (no reason given)

moderation in everything is key.

Exactly that
the internet while has many pitfalls and dangers also has lots of positives
as long as your child has adequate monitoring and your pc has a reasonable level of internet security there shouldnt be any reason for fear
end of the day like it or not computers are a huge part of any childs/teenegers life and to put up the iron curtain on such things could be harmfull to there social development as far as the digital age goes

be wary of the internet by all means but not fearfull as even if you do encounter problems virus wise on the net (and at one point in your life its gonna happen)
its not a hard procedure to remove and restore your pc back to working order

so, your daughter now has a laptop with a webcam, so because your scared she gets spyed on YOUR going to spy ON her??! ... sorry, i was just taken back by the irony for a second.

common sense advice here ... why not just speak to the grandmother and see if you can swap it for one without a webcam?

The problem here is in this day and age she could probably just go and buy one with her pocket money / allowance as they are avaliable at stupidly cheap prices.

The best thing to do is make sure her pc is secure(av / firewall) and up to date, and trust her... There is probably the same chance of anyone spying on her as there is that she will do something regrettable ... so i wouldnt worry.

if its a big issue, get rid of the laptop with the cam... at the end of the day your the boss.

dont spy on her though, that just sounds creepy.

reply to post by pointr97

(gives me the heebies and a real good case of the geebies)

and now you want to subject your own child the very same

... heebies and a real good case of the geebies)

you're dished out at work?

very creepy,IMO

word of advice children are like wet bars of soap, put the squeeze on too tight, and they'll fly out of your hands,
and onto the dirt