Utilize family meetings and family dinners without technology
Schedule regular time to connect with children
Teach online etiquette
Be media savvy – know who your child’s “friends” are, know the apps and websites, become their “friend”
GUIDANCE IS NEEDED on how to navigate pros and cons of technology
Be Available: Encouragement not Praise
Set Clear Logical Values-driven Rules. Be tolerant and patient, but not a doormat
Set limits – amount of time per day/time to shut off all electronics at night/rules for using technology
Make SmartPhone agreement, such as “no phones in bedroom after ____(time)” and “no downloading apps without permission.” (see example family agreement)
Require a password for all downloads on the phone/iPad/etc, even free apps! Your child has to get your verification before proceeding.
Make sure your teen uses privacy settings that limit access to who can view his/her online profile on various apps.
Have your teen limit friends to people she actually knows, not strangers; review her friend list.
Help your teen create a safe screen name that won’t reveal identifying personal information, such as where she lives, gender, or age.
Explain to your teen why some things, such as telephone numbers, addresses, and financial information, should stay private.
Listen to their Fears and concerns without judgments
Ask open-ended and what-if questions to learn about how they think and interpret and respond to various situations.
Set Rules based on your Values and Morales
Punish the behavior (correction not anger)
Be Consistent and Loving
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Know the School Rules: phone should be off and in the locker from 8:45am – 4:00pm (unless teacher is allowing personal technology to be used for an academic activity). Your child can call you, or you can get a message to your child, by calling the school (678-874-2902).
Teach your Child good decision making skills
Be actively involved in school
Monitor your child’s activity online: block, report, or call police if you see something inappropriate.
You can’t love them too much
Be familiar with their friends and hangouts
Know about what they read, see, listen and interact
Keep up on the latest drugs and their effects
Teach them to be safe
Seek out resources (other parents, counselors, teachers)
Resources:
www.teensafe.com ($15/month is monitor all communication on child’s phone)
www.netsmartz.org (tips and videos for parents and kids)
www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-sexting (tip sheet)
School Counselor and/or professional counselors
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – PowerPoint on Social Media Tips