What Parents Can Do: Be Informed
With your teen’s permission, check Instant Messaging Buddy Lists and review his/her personal profiles.
Be aware of Web sites that your teen visits regularly. Visit them yourself.
Use media blocks like the V chip and Internet parental controls to filter out inappropriate content.
Remove all electronic media from your teen’s bedroom.
Keep the computer, TV, and other media in a public space in your home.
Limit the total amount of time your teen spends using media tools each day.
What Parents Can Do #2: Make Sense of the Messages
Use controversial content as an opportunity to talk about your family’s values.
Observe and discuss your teen’s media preferences so she is aware of why she is attracted to certain content.
Play devil’s advocate to help her assess media’s value and appropriateness.
Encourage your teen to be active. Be sure they participate in offline as well as online relationships.
Make a family moratorium on media for one week each year – set a good example yourself!