From the article: Internet Safety
Today’s parental worry about the Net, texting, MySpace, Facebook, etc. is a very real fear. In 1998, I likened the internet to any alley or street in the world and then asked the community if they were going to let their teen walk down those streets alone. The answer I got from our active parents was a resounding "NO!" But what can you do to keep your teen safe and use the internet as a helpful tool for the whole family? Read on and use some tips from our parenting community. Give us your tips, too.
Helps Build a Strong Relationship
- We have set limits on several things (no cell phones at dinner) and positive rewards for good grades (more vidio game time). Both of our kids love to read but the eletronic toys have a bigger pull. We have joined our daughter on Myspace and Facebook so we can see what is going on. We also take the time to play wii with our son and text message them both daily. I think it is important for them to see we can enjoy these things with them. They also have friends every weekend and we get the opportunity to know who they spend time with. Communication and a strong relationship at this stage is worth it!
- —Guest Melanie
Getting the Right Attitude
- I had to get the attitude "If you can’t beat them, join them!" After not allowing my daughter to have a page on MySpace, we eventually gave in and I have one too. Now, it's not such a big deal to her, not like she thought it would be. But the good thing is, I can send her funnies and love from work for her to have when she gets home. Oh, I also had to learn to text message from my cell phone to... it's fun.
- —Guest Kay
Find Healthy Places Online
- You have to be careful, but there are so many great resources out there for kids like: Brainpop, Ask Dr. Universe or Discovery Kids or this new site I found where kids can create their own cartoon – Mashup.Huruhumi.com. Get them involved in healthy places online and it’ll start a trend (AND be fun!)
- —Guest Hadley
It's All About Trust
- It doesn't matter who your 14yr old daughter dates, trust is what matters, trusting your daughter gives her the feeling of keeping her word not because she will be grounded but rather because she doesn't want to betray you. Otherwise if you keep threatening her, she might end up doing exactly what you told her not to because "you are getting on her nerves".
- —Guest Nthabiseng
Underlying Source of Disconnect Problems
- I am a therapist and have worked with children of all ages. I feel that the underlying source of most of today’s problems are the disconnect between kids and parents. There are few sit-down dinners, everyone is plugged in or logged on to something and no one pays attention to anyone anymore. My oldest is 23 and was a teen at early end of the current electronics phase. Our computer has always been, and will always be, in the family room where all can see it. We set time limits for TV, computer, and video games with our two younger children.
- —Guest Orrie
Find a Balance
- My concern is the amount of time they spend in front of the computer and the lack of exercise? My son can literally spend an entire day on the computer with only breaks for lunch. We need to find a better balance in our household, for sure!
- —Guest Karen
