Kids download bad things, help?

[Dwarf]

I would still get him his own Computer after his restriction is lifted

I strongly disagree with that statement. It will only reinforce his deceitful/bad behaviour and not instill good values that he will require in later life. If he wants his own computer, then he has to save up for it and pay for it himself.

One of my main concernes would be why my security software didnt stop the 68 viruses before they infected my machine? And How I got infected? was it a site that was visited? was it pirated software? Could my machine still be infected?

Entirely possible. If he was capable of bypassing the existing security, then he was also capable of disabling whatever AV was installed.

...give him some sort of reprimand. I, of course, believe that everyone deserves a second chance. After the reprimand, have a talk with him and let him know that he has one more, and only one more, chance to show that he can act responsibly...

Which is why I said this:

If, after doing all this, your son is still managing to circumvent the security, then you need to take firm steps and deny him access to the computer for a period of time. I suggest a minimum of 48hrs, increasing by 24hrs each time he circumvents the security. If he continues to circumvent the security, then you need to be looking at a longer period of access denial, such as a week or even a month. He needs to learn that access to your computer is a privilege and not a right, and, as it is your computer, you have the last word on what can and cannot be done on it.

 

[seavixen32]

I agree with Dwarf.

If it was a child of mine, he or she would learn right from wrong and I wouldn't worry how long they were grounded.

I know I'm preaching, but you can't have rights without responsibilities, and the only place a child is going to learn right from wrong is from his parents.

Ask any police officer and they will tell you that child delinquency stems from bad parenting.

Rant over.

 

[Dwarf]

I don't class that as a Rant, rather more common sense and a means to instill good moral values in our offspring, something which is all too sadly lacking in today's society.

 

[seavixen32]

My eldest daughter is now 43 and even now she still reminds me of the time she was taught how to close a door without slamming it.

It took 32 consecutive attempts before she realised I wasn't going to give up - I'd have carried on all night if necessary.

 

[Frank1]

to instill good moral values in our offspring, something which is all too sadly lacking in today's society.

Truer words were never spoken!

 

[Bongo]

My eldest daughter is now 43 and even now she still reminds me of the time she was taught how to close a door without slamming it.

It took 32 consecutive attempts before she realised I wasn't going to give up - I'd have carried on all night if necessary.

That's how I was raised and that's how I raised my kids to.

to instill good moral values in our offspring, something which is all too sadly lacking in today's society.

Truer words were never spoken!

 

[seavixen32]

There can't be a finer thing than the gift of a new life and we as parents should treasure that gift even though the path to adulthood is very hard at times.

 

[Maguscreed]

Personally I would see if his little 'hacking' ability is a sign of an interest in computers and tech. If it is I would find a healthy outlet for that, and encourage that.
Steadily trying to block him like this is just going to be seen as a challenge, and if he's intelligent and has a interest in the subject, he will always find a way around it.

 

[Frank1]

Personally I would see if his little 'hacking' ability is a sign of an interest in computers and tech. If it is I would find a healthy outlet for that, and encourage that.

I would agree with the first part of your statement. But would you agree that in addition to that our children should also be taught personal responsibility for their actions ?

 

[Dwarf]

I agree. An interest in computing, fashion, or whatever field s/he chooses needs to be encouraged, whilst at the same time making the point that they are responsible for their actions.

 

[Heyyou]

I think we have turned this thread into a testimonial about what we think the poster should do to his kid, rather than what his question was. I'm sure he will do what it takes to eventually make the child see the light. However, there have been some really good suggestions put forth.

 

[Dwarf]

Let's just wait and see what the OP says.

 

[Maguscreed]

I'm just saying stomping on it is not the answer if it is an interest it would be better to redirect it. What I said is true, if that's the only puzzle you give him/her to solve that's basically what they are going to do.

 

[Warlockz]

Personally I would see if his little 'hacking' ability is a sign of an interest in computers and tech. If it is I would find a healthy outlet for that, and encourage that.
Steadily trying to block him like this is just going to be seen as a challenge, and if he's intelligent and has a interest in the subject, he will always find a way around it.

I agree!