text: how can i convince my mom to let me get aim? my mom says that aim is dangerous and it is addicting to people. i keep telling her that i will only chat with my friends the most 20 minutes but she still won't allow me. ok little'un.  from a parent who "trusts" a kid online.  the only way a caring parent will trust you online with blogs or im .. or myspace is if they have the tools to easilly monitor what you are doing online.  it is not just a matter of trust, it is a matter of safety to a parent who cares.  i know that a parent who cares is a real pain .. but you should be thankful, many kids don't have a parent who cares one iota.  there are many tools out there, some are low cost or free, the better ones cost a some bucks.  one of these tools, once they are loaded on your computer, keep track of everything you do on your computer.  your parent can come in at their leisure (even online from work in some cases) to check what emails you have sent or received, view complete conversations that you have held online, view every web site you visit.  some of these tools even allow the parent to set time limits on your internet access.  (yes, johnny, the web is addicting, im is addicting and you can waste your entire life before you know it on the www)  i know this is not the most exciting thing for a youngster to contemplate, having a parent know everything you are doing online.... but .. for a parent who cares .. it may well be the only way they will allow you to get online and experience the whole universe of the web ... safely.  as long as you are careful, only enguage in proper conversations, never give any personal information over the internet that could identify you. your parent will be happy with your web access .. including im.  i had used a product called i am big brother several years ago .. i know there are much better products out there now.  a web search should quickly turn up a dozen or so parental monitoring tools that your parent might accept.  good luck.