Surviving Adolescence by Michael B. Gilbert

Author:Michael B. Gilbert
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published: 2021-01-23T00:00:00+00:00

The important guidance is to beware of the dangers and pitfalls of being in cyberspace. Counsel your children before they “blast off.”

The following safety tips are for your consideration. Some might appeal to you; others may seem overly intrusive. Collaborate with your teen to set rules. Doing this will assure trust, as you test your own limits.

Safety Tips

Communicate to your kids that digital devices deserve respect. Have them ask for permission in the same way they might ask permission to go out or to someone’s home.

Consider setting rules on when and where your kids have access to devices or specific apps. Using their devices in common areas may give you an opportunity to monitor what they are viewing.

Create a schedule so kids are using their devices during periods when you can provide the most oversight. Again, you are looking for safe use.

Consider a technology agreement for each child. This will put your common understanding in writing. It is a contract. If it is broken, you can decide the consequences to be enforced.

Be sure to talk with your kids about privacy—or lack thereof—and tone. The key here is that teens understand that their online presence may not be as private as they think. Their electronic footprint may be indelible.

Take some time to think about what you’re comfortable—and uncomfortable—with your kids doing online. Again, the keys are safety and trust.

It might be time to talk about pornography. Teens probably understand, in general terms, what pornography is. However, you may want to reassure yourself that they know what they should and should not view. You might say, “You should tell me if you ever see that stuff, not because I’d be mad at you or you’ve done anything wrong, but just because I want you to know how to make your computer safer so that doesn’t happen again” (Dr. Emily Rothman, community health scientist at Boston University School of Public Health).

And remember, kids will be kids, including when they’re online. They continue to be curious. They will test boundaries. In the end, your guidance will give them the information they need for the decisions they make. (adapted from Moyer, 2020)

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