Hi-Tech Parenting in a Digital World

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - 64% of teens admit to doing things online they would not want their parents to know about.

90% of 8-18 year olds have viewed internet pornography.

Welcome to the new frontier of parenting in the high tech world.

This is a world where texting tops talking, and teens use these mini-computers to connect with their friends and the world beyond.

Parents aren't around for every message, so you have to hope your child is doing, and texting, the right thing. But texting is much more impersonal and a text-versation can get quickly get out of hand.

So what's a parent to do? First you need to start talking, and engage in an open a dialogue with your kids.

Brian Housman wrote the book on "Engaging Your Teen's World." Housman says let your kids know you are on their side.

"If someone is sending [your child] inappropriate texts, tell them 'I want you to trust me, I'm not going to get angry. I really want to help you know how to handle this.'"

Sheila Guy Woods remembers the days of the big clunky phones with no texts, no internet. But she's learning quickly that when it comes to protecting her 9th grade daughter, talk is cheap and action is everything.

"That's what parents have to do. They have to monitor," said Woods. "They just don't give the child all this stuff and expect them to just not, you know, do things."

Experts say if you aren't looking over their shoulder, you've already lost control.

"Chances are, there are a lot of parents out there whose daughter has already been a victim of cyber harassment," warned Housman. "Someone has taken an inappropriate picture of her or sent inappropriate message about your daughter to someone else."

Social media like Facebook is the new bathroom wall, where mean girls and boys use posts to spread rumors. The problem is once you write in on the World Wide Web it can't be erased or wiped off, it's there forever.

Housman says teens want you to set boundaries, so it's up to you to set boundaries and sit down with your teen at least once a week to review a log of their texts, social media and computer usage.

"It's not because we distrust you but we all want to be on the same page," said Housman. "We want to make sure you're using this stuff appropriately."

You may be surprised to know how this surveillance makes your kids feel, and you will feel better knowing that you have taken the first steps to protect your kids from cyber bullies.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• www.bsecure.com
• www1.k9webprotection.com
• www.netnanny.com
• www.awaketolife.org