I would like to say that I am a free spirited mother. I don’t harp too much on uneaten vegetables (although I will sneak them into a smoothie every now and then). I am relaxed when it comes to homework and often let my sons work at their own pace. I am not a stickler for utter tidiness (although I do prefer clean piles of junk *wink*). I don’t correct their grammar too often and believe in the saying that “boys will be boys.“
At the same time I want to preserve their youth; their innocence. I don’t want them to grow up too fast. I want my children to stay children as long as possible. I cherish the fact that they are still excited about Christmas, that they look forward to Easter Egg hunts and that they are anxious to celebrate the next themed holiday with me.
I find comfort in knowing that they continue to enjoy watching cartoons and that they believe that girls still possess cooties.
I am also very protective of watch they watch on television. I won’t let them watch anything sexualized and I try to steer clear of curse words as much as possible. I parental control the cable box and stand over them at all times when they are on the internet (on the rare occasion that I let them sign online to play a game).
I came across a video on YouTube that was completely shocking to me. A website, Nick Jr, that my children frequent on a regular basis is selling text link ads to adult sites. I’ll let you see for yourself:
Click here to watch the video and then read on.
Are you back? What are your feelings? Were you just as shocked as I was? I am still at an utter loss for words. Call me naive, but in this day and age when babies are having babies at 12 years old I feel as if I have the right to want to preserve my son’s innocence for as long as possible. I cherish the fact that they still want to hug and kiss me at night, and that they don’t get embarrassed to say they love me in public (although sometimes it proceeds a request for chocolate).
What I do not like is the fact that a children’s site is not more careful of the links that they sale, share or promote on their website.
What are your feelings?
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Thanks for sounding the alarm Shynea. I’m definitely going to share this video with several prevention listservs I’m on. This is ridiculous and Nickolodean should hear from us.
Dear Niecy,
You are MORE than welcome. I thought that this was ridiculous of Nickolodean as well and was appalled that they let that slip.
Take care,
Shynea
YES! I was shocked! I wrote about my own experience after my son got to Nickjr.com and passed through the parental controls because Nickjr’s content was listed as “trusted” and got through to AddictingGames.com
I wrote about the CFCC’s efforts to get Nick to stop and how to petition Nick.com to do so. You can find it on my website: http://www.examiner.com/x-10560-Special-Needs-Kids-Examiner~y2010m1d11-Nickelodeon-websites-are-too-naughty-for-kids
Thanks for the link!
That definitely sounds like useful information … I will be checking it out – Thanks!
Dear Heather,
That is not considered “spam” at all. Please post the link. The more that we raise awareness for Nick’s carelessness, the more we can prevent children from clicking on links that aren’t meant for them.
I look forward to reading your article.
Take care,
Shynea
I am very strict about internet access in my house… I allowed the kids to go to disney.com, barbie.com, lego.com and nick.com to play games, I never would have thought nick.com would link to such graphic games!!!! Thanks for the heads up I am definitely banning nick.com!!!
Dear Jennifer,
I am VERY strict about internet access to my kids as well, so when I saw this video I was VERY shocked. I just think that a children’s website should stop thinking about money for once and start thinking about their audience.
Take care,
Shynea
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I had NO idea. My son LOVES PBS.Kids and the NickJr.com website. I am going to fire off a quick letter to Nick.com just to make sure they are aware of this and to find out what they’re planning to do work with families on this matter. Thank YOU again for the information.
p.s. I noticed on the sidebar of this blog there’s an article about “When Banana Pops Go Wrong”…..
Dear Tanyetta,
You are more than welcome. I feel as if it’s my duty as a mom to not only protect my kids, but use blogging as one of my platforms to inform other mother’s about what’s going on around them. I was just as appalled when I saw this video knowing that my children visit this website.
As for the “banana pops” I’m only responsible for the articles that I write on here.
Take care,
Shynea
LOL I take full credit for the banana pop one… I couldn’t *not* post it. The making of it was totally innocent but whew, it result – not so much! haha That being said, this is a site for moms, not kids… I’m totally with you on the Nick.com thing – that’s unacceptable.
Wow. just wow. Thank you for the heads up, gosh..
I do exactly the same thing. I don’t blame you for not commenting if you think you’re not going to add something new to the discussion.