How to Monitor MSN IM Messages

If you have MSN Explorer, you and your children have access to MSN's latest IM program, Windows Live Messenger. MSN has added many security features that will keep your kids safe while they instant message their friends online.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Using Messenger Tools for Safety

1. Use the tools. The "Tools" menu is located at the top of the main Messenger screen. Set safety features from this window by clicking "Options."

2. Save your children's IM conversations. In the IM account your child uses, click the "Options" menu and then click on "Messages" located on the left side bar. Check "Automatically Keep a History of my Conversations" and click "OK" at the bottom of the screen.

3. View your child's message history. To retrieve your child's IM history, go to the main Messenger screen, click on "File." Then choose "View Message History" from the drop-down box. You can read any instant messages sent to and from your child.

4. Enhance the privacy setting on Messenger. In the "Options" menu of your child's IM account, click on "Privacy" from the menu on the left side of the window. In the "Privacy" window, check the box marked "Only People on My Allow List Can See My Status and Send Me Messages." You can add people to your allow list through the "Contacts" tab on the main Messenger page.

Using Parental Controls for Safety

5. Use the "Parental Controls" menu to set the safety features for your child. Open MSN Explorer (not Messenger) with your username and password. At the top of the window click on the "Help and Settings" menu and then choose "Parental Controls." Once you are in this window you will be able to control how your child uses Messenger.

6. Receive an Online Activity Update to see who your child is chatting with. From the "Parental Controls" menu, choose "Change Parental Controls for a Member Account." When you are taken to the parental controls page, go to "Supervision" and turn "Online Activity Report" to "On" by clicking on it.

7. Restrict your child's Messenger access with parental controls. From "Parental Controls," click on your child's account. Look under "Communication" and click on "Messenger Access." Set the control for "Restricted Access." Your child still can use Messenger, but must ask your permission to add new contacts.