Posted by
Shahirakk
18 yrs ago
My helper has asked if she can install internet access in her room - broadband which doesnt include a phone line? What do people think? She is happy to pay for connection and bill herself. She has been with us 6 months and is generally very responsible. I have installed general tv line in her room and am buying her a tv. I have refused phone line.
IF I say yes, what would your thoughts be on making sure it doesnt impact her work - My worry is she'll be up late at night emailing/whatever.
My second worry is do I become responsible if she cant pay her bill?
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I've had further thoughts - Does anyone give their helper access to their own computer for limited periods and how do they do this? We have broadband access for ourselves and wouldnt mind her checking her email for say 10 mins each day.
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crj
18 yrs ago
If you do decide to give her Internet, I would take a different approach - you already have broadband, I would pay yourself for an outlet/access in her room. You can then 'trial' it for 1-3 months to see how it is working out.
You can then set up limited access to only certain times, and if it does start to effect her work, you can discontinue.
If you give her her own access, that she is paying for, then you have no control over it.
Before doing any of this, I would ask her what she wants Internet for? Is it for email? Or MSN video chats with her family? Online study? etc... We would be fine giving our helper Internet, with limited usage - ie email and MSN for only certain times.
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Hi guys,
It's just the internet, it's bad enough that these women have to work long hours living away from home surely wanting something that you have yourself and she is going to pay for herself is up too her.
Certainly if you feel the need too explain to her that you are concerned she may stay up very late using it and that it may interfere with her work and see what she says.
Even say that if after 3 months it seems to be affecting her work hat you would not be happy for her to keep it so it's up to her to be responsible about it.
Cri I really think it’s far too controlling to think it’s ok for you too decide what she can use the internet for and how much (in her free time) these women are people and are entitled to a life of there own too surely. I’m sure you would all have something to say about your rights if your bosses wanted to control what you did in your private life.
You say she’s been responsible trust her and see how it goes
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We have a family computer that I have taught our helper how to use for email and surfing the web. Have had no problems with it. If she wanted to do it more or from her room, I would be fine with this as it is no different from watching TV or chatting to friends on her mobile in my opinion. As long as she gets her work done.
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thank you everyone as usual. I like the wireless route and turning down the router at night - would keep me off the internet too! I will suggest a trial - that's a great idea. Thanks again
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Hope you understand that broadband is the same as installing a phone line, if you use skype or other VOIP services, and if she already has a computer then she is probably picking up unblocked signals anyway. Personally, I like my helper a lot and I have no problem if she uses our house line for emergencies or even my computer/TV when I am home, but I would never install any of the things (cable TV, phone or broadband) in her room that some expats here seem to think is a basic human right.
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I live in an expat building and am one, so my helper is also aware of what other helpers get as standard in this area.
Secondly, i can see why my helper would want broadband/phone - I am more concerned that she may have trouble disciplining her use of broadband/phone and this could impact on her work. At the places I have worked, there have always been internet and email policies which I think I should outline to my helper.
The difference between my helper and any other employee is that she is looking after my child and so I do care if she is tired on a regular basis/ cant do her work properly.
I think I will proceed on the trial and see how my helper responds to having broadband/phone. She has said voluntarily that she wont use it in the day ever (I believe her) and that she will not let it affect her work.
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