>>he can unplug the router and plug his PC straight into the broadband modem and thereby bypass it.
>
>The router is in the closet, under lock and key, with the dirty magazines. :)
>
>>Again, avoidance is not the same as prevention.
>
>We apparently disagree on this point.
>
>>But all this is a sidebar to the issue of trust: I repeat - how will technical measures help in the issue of trust between Steve and his son?
>
>Covered this by discussing my own policy regarding relationships with women. It is a principle I want my kids to understand.

I'd like to respectfully point out that avoidance policies have their own drawbacks, which I hope your kids will understand as well. For example, avoidance taken to extremes can lead to sequestering women, the chador/burqa, etc. I think one needs to make one's own decisions about avoidance, and how far to take it. I don't believe it is always a good thing.

>
>Still don't understand why he would need access to porn on the internet, and why his trust is violated...any more then I've violated his trust by not having a bunch of magazines laying around.

The trust is to make his own choices about what is "appropriate", not have someone else do it for him.

Contrary to what you implied in an earlier message, I didn't suggest that Steve educate his son in what is "appropriate". What I suggested was teaching the potential consequences of certain actions - whether that be downloading music, frequenting warez sites, chat rooms, whatever. With a little such information and a few basic concepts in place he should be able to handle the vast majority of situations.

Steve can give his opinions on appropriateness and/or offer up his take on what is generally "socially acceptable" but that doesn't mean his son will agree. As long as his son's beliefs aren't illegal then a difference of opinion is just that, not "right" vs. "wrong" or "inappropriate".

As I pointed out to Jay, by the 16-18 time frame someone can drive a car, hold a job and pay taxes, join the armed forces and potentially shoot people, vote in various elections, etc. At that age he needs to start making his own decisions. Suppose someone asks him the question, "Do you view porn on the Internet?" What's he going to say - "My Dad says not to, and that's good enough for me"?