Ipods and the internet access...

[Chimaria]

I know a 16 yo girl who is accessing porn on her ipod touch. she is also in adult chatrooms and seeking out these individuals to continue the conversations in other venues. (skype/text free)

Does anyone have any great advice on stopping internet? Is it a good idea? (i don't think it is a good idea, if she were mine i would: take away the ipod, and ground the hell out of her)
Where does this behavior come from? Why (besides curiousity, this is beyond that) does this behavior continue?

Not a lot of info, but general advice would be appreciated...and the what would you do....thanks!  

[Areashine]

I suppose if I were her parent, I would take away all devices that would have access to the internet and explain why this behavior is not acceptable and dangerous in many situations.

As for where the behavior comes from, there is curiosity as you have said. I also think that its rebellion "from the norm" that would cause teenagers to do this as well.  

[ThisEmptySoul]

Wait... she's accessing porn on her iPod touch? That's kind of a funny considering that Steve Jobs has this whole "war on porn" thing going on.

I would definitely go with taking away the iPod. It's not a necessity of life. There's of course also speaking to her about the dangers of meeting strangers on the internet, especially if you're underage. At a guess, I would say it started out as curiosity, then turned into a bit of what Areashine said "rebellion from the norm", and probably some of that good old fashioned "look at me! I'm an adult because I'm doing adult things!" attitude.

A lot of teens set out to prove that they are not "your typical teenager" and that they are "mature for their age" by doing things that they think would be considered adult behavior. What they often fail to neglect when they decide to take on these "adult" activities is having the responsibility of an adult, thus end up being viewed as some immoral and reckless teen.

For internet access aside from the iPod, there are website blockers and whatnot out there. Which ones would be best would depend on the browser being used and I can't say I'm all too experienced with it because I haven't really had to block websites much before. Only reason I suggest this instead of flat out stopping internet access altogether is because I remember having to do a lot of research papers during school which required that I look up things online. I had to use school computers because I didn't have access at home and it was a real hassle.

If it was assumed that everyone had internet access and a computer at home when I was going to school, I'm sure that belief is even more widespread these days.  

[Chimaria]

thanks Area and Empty soul...

yes, i saw the the web addresses in her google history...7 days worth!!! A cop buddy said that her parents are legally responsible for preventing further access if not, fines and jail time...YIKES!!! He said the same thing...take it away!

thanks again for the advice...i'll let her parental units know, they are good friends of mine.