Youth are tech savvy and get most of their information and socialization through the Internet and digital devices. For them, there is no distinction between the real world and the online world – they are one in the same.
As a parent, the best way to help ensure your kid’s safety online is to become tech savvy yourself. Think of technology as a language. Your kid has most likely spoken this language since birth and is fluent in it. You need to know the language if you want to communicate with them.
For anyone born after 1980, the world has always had computers and cell phones. They are tech savvy and get most of their information and socialization through the Internet. For them, there is no distinction between the real world and the online world - they are one in the same.
As a parent, the best way to help ensure your child’s safety online is to become tech savvy yourself. Think of technology as a language. Your child has spoken this language since birth and is fluent in it. You need to know the language if you want to communicate with them. Yes, technology can seem overwhelming, but this handout will help you get started by explaining the basics of technology and online safety. You’ll learn some important values to teach your child about using technology. Finally, you will find some useful online resources where you can continue your education.
What choices did the speaker make that they can or cannot relate to, what did they learn?
Talk to your spouse, agree on your family’s position, and share that with your kid. Make that position very clear and always remain consistent, don’t waiver.
Discuss with your kid what you have learned about internet safety.
Include sites that they can and cannot visit and which social media sites and apps are acceptable. Set privacy settings on social media sites appropriately and monitor who they are linked with in the digital world. Regulate how much time they can spend online, discuss where they can access the internet, and remember to set log off times.
As parents we have the ability to model life skills like conflict resolution, maintaining positive and safe online relationships, and how to take intentional breaks from technology.
This is a great opportunity to role-play correct responses to online threats and to simply listen to what your kid faces online.
Technology is constantly changing In order to be a reliable resource for your kid, be able to identify current online trends and dangers as well as warning signs for identity theft, cyber-bullying, sexual solicitation, and sexting.
Take planned action to lock your kid’s credit report, use browsing settings to block dangerous websites, “friend” your kid on their social media sites (be aware that youth usually have multiple social media accounts), and use computer monitoring software to help deter behavior.
K9 Web Protection internet filter and parental control software (free)
Verity parental control software (free)
Norton Family parental control software (free)
AVG Family Safety app for iOS/iPhone (free)
AVG Family Safety app for Windows Mobile (free)
Media Detective software (free one-month demo)
AVG Family Safety software ($49.99/1-year subscription)
Spytech SpyAgent monitoring software ($69.95)
Spectorsoft Spector Pro monitoring software ($99.95)
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notMYkid is not a counseling or treatment agency. We are here to offer support, information and options. Destructive youth behaviors do not discriminate and have impacted many lives. A number of resources are available, and will assist you in finding the help necessary to make informed and empowered choices.
602-248-TEEN (8336)
or 1-800-248-TEEN (8336)
800-273-8255
800-784-2433
800-621-4000
602-263-8856
(800-352-3792 within
area codes 520 and 928)
602-222-9444
Across Arizona
1-800-631-1314
Download our:
Internet Safety BrochureTalking With Kids Brochure Family Prevention PlanFamily Prevention Plan (Spanish) Facebook Resources Facebook Smart Card Google+ Smart Card LinkedIn Smart Card Twitter Smart Card Social Media - What to Post
For Every Mom: Parents, If Your Kids Have Any of These 10 Dangerous Apps, It’s Time to Hit Delete
Geek.com: Kid-Friendly Apps That Bring Internet Safety to Android
Time: Teen Girls Describe the Harsh Unspoken Rules of Online Popularity
KIRO (Seattle): Predators Luring Teen Boys Into Making Porn
KTAR: Five Apps Parents Should Know About
ZDNet: One in Five Children Meet Strangers From the Web - Study
HealthDay: Dark Side of Chat Rooms for Troubled Teens - Talk of Self-Harm
Salt Lake Tribune: BYU Study - Twitter May Warn of Suicide Risk
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