Many parents are becoming increasingly confused about their kids’ daily activities and have no idea what to do.
Truth is that most children have difficulty navigating the potential dangers and pitfalls associated with being a child. “tween”The situation is even worse for the teen. Parents today don’t know what their teens are accessing or sharing every day, and most children have no idea of the potential consequences of their online behavior and activities.
Now the question is: How can parents help teens and tweens navigate their physical and digital worlds in a way that will keep them safe and on the right track?
1. Begin a conversation with your teen/tween. Discuss sexting, cyberbullying and other threatening behaviors with your teen/tween. Discuss inappropriate content with your teen and make it easy for them to come to you, or other trusted adults, if they feel uncomfortable.
2. You own the technology. Make it clear that you own the phone or computer. You should also have access to any passwords.
3. Learn from Experts. To monitor and control your teen’s smartphone and computer usage, make sure you have the appropriate controls.
Log onto to find advice and learn from parents who have experienced firsthand how to protect teens using technology. www.parentingtodayskids.com. This site features a group of experts, including legal, safety, and parenting experts. It also includes real-world moms who offer advice and words of wisdom for today’s parenting problems. Parents can help their children learn safe online and mobile behavior that will allow them to have a happy, healthy transition into adulthood.
Lisa Shaw is the senior director of online teen safety and protection at SpectorSoft and editor at ParentingTodaysKids.com.
