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Technology

  •  Keep discussion open and ongoing around the use of technology. Kids need to feel they can trust you and talk to you about all the devices they are using
  • Consider having computers and other technological devices in common areas in your home (not in kids’ bedrooms)
  • Set some family rules around the use of technology
  • Have some discussions about the appropriate use of technology with your kids (Where, when and when not to use cell phones, computers, cameras, recording devices, etc.)
  • Consider installing security software on your family’s computers and make sure it is working and up-to-date
  • Both Windows® and the Mac OS® include basic parental controls that can help you manage and monitor kids’ computer and Internet use
  • Use the History button on your computer’s web browse to check where children have been surfing. Be aware that most kids know how to delete history files
  • Monitor computer account activities

Mobile Phones

  • Monitor children’s phone bills
  • Make sure children do not take their phones to bed and night and consider charging them in your bedroom (Thank Barbara Coloroso for this idea! Barbara Coloroso’s website)

Social Networking

  • Tell children only to add friends they know and not add ‘friends of friends’
  • Have your children add you as a friend so you can see who their friends are
  • Make sure your child tells you if someone online wants to meet them in person

Here are some links to some popular social networking sites used by kids:

Canadian kids do more online gaming than any other kids in the world. Here are some favourite sites:

 Norton Family Report for Canada, 2010

http://us.norton.com/content/en/us/home_homeoffice/media/pdf/nofr/Norton_Family-Report-UK_June9.pdf

“Empowering your children online is far more effective than trying to control every aspect of their online activity.” —Marian Merrit, Norton Internet Safety Advisor