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Handy Tips
Ages 12-14:
- Since children this age are more likely
to explore on their own, set up clear parental rules, limits,
and periodic check-ins.
- Continue to explore together as much
as possible.
- Give children a basic understanding
of the laws governing online behavior and the consequences
of breaking them.
- Set clear rules about which chat rooms
are acceptable for your teenager, and how much time can
be spent there.
- Be sure your children understand the
actions that can be taken if people harass them online
or do anything inappropriate.
- Set a budget for online expenses and
monitor it. Pay particular attention to games that your
teenager might download or copy. Many are great fun, but
others are extremely violent. Parents need to set limits
about what is acceptable and what is not.
Ages 15-18:
- Ask your teenager for help researching
topics of interest to the family (follow-up on a family
discussion, family vacation, a new purchase).
- Talk to your teenager about new things
online and encourage discussion of new experiences.
- Make sure your teenager knows the legal
implications of online behavior.
- Watch time limits to make sure your
teenager is still pursuing a well-rounded set of activities.
- If your teenager is especially interested
in computers, encourage him or her to help younger children
with their online explorations (try the local Boys or Girls
Club) or to help a school or nonprofit organization get
set up.
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