Reinforce the public nature of the Internet and let your adolescent know you will supervise online activity. Adolescents are more likely follow the rules when you let them know you will be watching out for them.
. Limit the amount of time spent online
. Use filtering software
. Monitor increased independence.
Even though adolescents may appear as though they can "handle" certain situations, they actually require and unconsciously seek adult guidance and supervision
Explain where it is appropriate for your adolescent to have privacy: confiding in close friends face-to-face, writing in a paper journal, in his/her bedroom, etc. Reinforce that there is no privacy on the Internet
. Know their passwords, screen names, and the friends they are communicating with online
. Monitor the use of webcams and mobile phones, as well as the posting and exchanging pictures/video online
. Explain that once a picture is sent online they lose control of what is done with it (it may never be completely removed from the Internet)
. Teach them that it is illegal for people to manufacture, possess or distribute naked or sexually explicit pictures of children under 18 years of age. Explain that they need to tell a trusted adult if they are presented with this situation
. Teach them that it is illegal for adults to offer them gifts or money in exchange for sexual activity
. Discuss dignity and self-respect and how it can be preserved or destroyed by messages sent online and offline
. Discuss the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships
. Explain that they should never meet in person someone they first meet online without a parent or guardian
. Discuss online and offline high-risk behavior and create "what if" scenarios together to help your adolescent recognize dangerous situations and practice responses
. Encourage open communication and be aware of your adolescent's sensitivity to social judgment. S/he may be hesitant to share personal experiences
. Monitor and verify any job offers made, and accompany the youth to interviews
Source: Canadian Centre for Child Protection
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