Or even force them to?
I was at a security conference today and two folks were talking who said they never let their kids fill out any online forms with real information. It's actually a pretty interesting protection mechanism but I am having a hard time getting past the lying part, and also wonder about the potential "breach of [implied] contract" sort of relationship between the child and the website owner.
I realize I am overdoing this, but it is really interesting to consider the long-term impact of "kiddonyms."
Pete, That is a great observation. Whether they realize it or not by encouraging this they are teaching their kids and encouraging them to lie. It may protect their privacy and identity (which is very important) but it also undermines integrity (which is more important). Instead of having them lie they need to teach them the importance of protecting privacy and identity while maintaining integrity. It may take some work but the results will be worth it.
Posted by: Andy Willingham | October 02, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Isn't really a lie in my book.
Posted by: Redacted from redacted.com | October 02, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I don't have kids yet, but I will definitely "force" them to lie on the Internet. Much safer that way!
Posted by: Anony | October 02, 2008 at 12:34 PM
> Instead of having them lie they need to
>teach them the importance of protecting
>privacy and identity while maintaining
>integrity.
This is a little silly - how on Earth do you propose to accomplish it?!
Posted by: Aso | October 02, 2008 at 12:35 PM
How old are these kids, and what sites are being lied to?
Many US sites aren't intended to be used by those under 13, thanks to COPPA (http://www.coppa.org/).
Posted by: Chris | October 04, 2008 at 12:08 AM
My daughter hasn't done a whole lot of signing up for things yet, but she has been told to give certain specified information. I don't mind if she gives out my "junk" PO Box or my "junk" cell phone, but never our real address or phone number. If a stranger on the street asked my 10 year old what her phone number or address was I wouldn't call it lying if she refused to tell him or told him a wrong number. I'd call that smart.
We teach our kids to protect themselves in person, why not on the Internet?
Posted by: Paul | October 17, 2008 at 03:50 PM