<p>Since the computer is a tool for homework etc. I am concerned my son is constantly distracted by facebook and not devoting the required time to research.</p>
<p>I'm looking for a way to be able to temporarily block facebook on our computer.</p>
<p>Is this possible?</p>
<p>MP</p>
<p>Not sure if I have posted this thread correctly or not… but would appreciate any help.
Thanks</p>
<p>Open this file in notepad (select ‘All files’ in the file type field), depending on the version of Windows you’re using:</p>
<p>Windows 95/98/Me c:\windows\hosts
Windows NT/2000/XP Pro c:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Windows XP Home c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts</p>
<p>Add this to the end of the opened file:
</p>
<p>Save the file after you make the changes.</p>
<p>You can always go in an change the settings to block certain websites, but your son maybe able to figure out how to go around it. You’d do this by going to the internet settings in the control panel. (This is for PCs, I don’t know anything about Macs.)</p>
<p>The larger issue is whether blocking Facebook would create more problems than it solves in terms resentment, etc. If he’s looking for ways to procrastinate on doing homework, he’ll still be looking for them even if Facebook is not one of the options.</p>
<p>Many, many kids have difficultly learning to manage their time and stay on task. It’s one thing most kids have to learn the hard way to one degree or another.</p>
<p>How do I find out what version of windows we have?</p>
<p>Better yet, instead of 0.0.0.0, route to 127.0.0.1, then set up a web server on your computer that serves a page that says something witty about getting off facebook and doing homework.</p>
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<p>If the OP doesn’t know how to find out what version of Windows she has, I don’t think she’s going to be able to set up a web server! Even if she does manage to block Facebook without crashing the computer, there are so many other game sites and time-wasters that it really won’t make much of a difference.</p>
<p>I think it does not take long for the kids to know how to bypass. There are some websites that help the kids to get away from parental control. Also, social networks like facebook, myspace have several domains and IP addresses for the kids to go through. Also, even if you can block, it’s a not an effective way. Honesty is better. If you cannot trust the kids then bring the computer to a public room.</p>
<p>LOL anything I could figure out how to block, my kid could figure out how to circumvent!</p>
<p>zapakovex: I would love to know how to do that!!! I’m relatively computer-savvy, is that something an ordinary person could do? :P</p>
<p>My older son was soooo much more computer savvy than us we never bothered with parental controls. As long as his grades were good I didn’t worry too much about the time spent on the computer. The result was a computer nerd for sure, but an eminently employable one, because he taught himself so much.</p>
<p>We have a program by which we can block or limit computer access on all the computers on our network. When our D was a senior, she actually asked us to block the internet for certain periods of time; Facebook, YouTube, etc. were too distracting from homework and college apps.</p>
<p>The main control is on my computer, and I control all the other computers. If my D needed access to the internet for something, she’d simply ask, and I could give it.</p>
<p>It worked for us.</p>
<p>PS This program is called SafeEyes, but there are others like it. But note: your computers have to be networked to be able to operate it from your computer. (You could put it on a computer and have an administrator’s password there.)</p>
<p>Facebook and all social networking sites are blocked at my work, However I can still see if from my Yahoo tool bar or my Yahoo Home or Yahoo Mail page. We use the computer in a common room approach.</p>
<p>Not to mention once you’re wireless the kids can access Facebook and other apps from their phones, from their PSPs and other handheld devices. The concept of blocking one site on one hardwired computer is almost old school. Most kids in high school now have never known life without the internet and most are totally capable of doing 4 things at one time. I think it’s crazy (and I have a technology related job) but I’m old.I think I’m doing well to do two things at once.</p>
<p>you gonna block it when he gets to college too?
I decided they’ve gotta learn to cope in this new world, with all its distractions.
If he’s gonna stumble in the process of figuring out how, better in high school than in college.
Helping him figure out effective coping strategies might be useful though. If he would listen. Mine wouldn’t.</p>
<p>My DH (who is in IT) blocked my DD from FB and other distracting sites for a set time each night at one point. He used a program that was called Big Brother, I think. If I remember correctly, there were a few different versions, with different prices, depending on how much you want to block. It also enabled him to: enter key words and he would get emails every time one of those words was used, get snapshots of instant messaging conversations and block websites (can pick a specific time frame). So, for example, we wouldn’t let her get onto FB until 9:30 pm - to give her time to do HW. This was great for a while – except for when she got her HW done early and wanted to go to sleep except that she had to wait till later to check FB! We eventually removed the blocks but she got the idea.</p>
<p>For DS, three years younger, we just told him it was on his computer. A little scare tactics. Much easier.</p>
<p>I understand there are people who want their kids to learn on their own, have privacy, etc. I don’t think this thread was meant to debate that. The OP just asked how to block. Some of us choose to; some of us don’t. Different parenting. That’s not the debate here.</p>
<p>My D blocks her own facebook on her Mac with a program called Self Control. She sets up a block for a pre-set time period. She loves it.</p>
<p>1012mom, that seems like a great program. I should probably download it and program it to block me from CC!!!</p>
<p>During my D’s last 2 years of high school, she sometimes begged me to block facebook and other sites. I told her that she needed to learn how to control herself because I wouldn’t be there to police her in college. She is now in college and judging by her progress it looks like she has learned how to budget her time well.</p>
<p>But I like the idea of the ‘self control’ program. I sent my D a link. Maybe she can use it.</p>
<p>Here’s the link:</p>
<p><a href=“http://visitsteve.com/made/selfcontrol/[/url]”>http://visitsteve.com/made/selfcontrol/</a></p>
<p>My son has a friend who has him change her password for Facebook during finals so she can’t log-in.</p>