By Lisa K. Schkloven, LCSW-C

As the parent, you need to set some boundaries and limits on your teenager’s use of the computer. Here are some suggestions.

1. Keep the computer in a room other than the child’s bedroom.
This way you can monitor what your child is doing online and for how long.

2. Set up an agreement and guidelines with your child about the use of the computer, including appropriate schedules and duration.

3. Understand the services that your child uses online.
If you do not understand them, have your child teach you about them.

4. Investigate blocking and screening services offered by your ISP or by other web sites of software providers.

5. Spend time online with your child so that you can set a good example for online behavior.

6. Never respond to threatening or offensive messages. Urge your child also not to respond to these kinds of messages.

7. When discussing your child’s day with him or her, be sure to ask about time spent online.

8. Remind your child never to meet anyone he or she has “met” online without your permission or without your presence.

9. Make sure to learn about everyone your child speaks to online and discuss these relationships with your child.

10. Get to know the computer and the internet.
Familiarize yourself with the positive aspects of the internet.
Familiarize yourself with Instant Messenger, social networking sites, blogs and newgroup forums.

For more suggestions for keeping your teen safe online, click on the link below to view Parry Aftab’s guide for keeping your kids safe online.
www.wiredsafety.org/resources/pdf/socialnetworktips.pdf