Technology and Safety for Parents & Kids

Limit the time your child spends on video games.

Computers, cell phones and video games, it seems, are here to stay. This is hardly comforting to parents who must face the challenges of determining appropriate computer and Internet use for their kids and teens. The following are some of the safety issues for parents and kids today. Keep in mind that there are a wealth of resources available for helping kids and parents with safety and technology.

TV and Video Games

Limit the number of hours you allow your child to spend watching TV and playing video games. Preview TV shows and video games to make sure that you consider them appropriate for your child. Try looking for programs that your family can watch together and encourage kids to question what they see. Find fun alternatives to sitting in front of a video screen, such as playing a game outdoors, reading or a board game.

Teens and Internet Safety

Texting, e-mail and chat rooms are popular ways for teens to communicate. According to the University of Florida, about 30 percent of teen girls report to having been sexually harassed while they were in a chat room. Keep your home computer in a centralized location and educate your teen about the dangers of online communication.

Cyber-bullying

Protect your child from becoming a victim of cyber-bullying by being alert to the ways your child uses technology. Set ground rules such as scheduled times to be online and permissible websites. Limit online communication to familiar friends and peers. Youth who are lonely are more likely to spend time on the Internet. Encourage your kids to participate in face-to-face activities as alternatives to being online.

References

• Healthy Habits for TV, Video Games and the Internet
• University of Florida Extension: Teens and Internet Safety