Raising Children in the Digital Age: the Internet, Cell Phones, and Safe Parenting

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Whitepaper Summary:

Kids can be awfully hard to keep up with these days, as technology that seems to grow faster and faster gets marketed to children who are younger and younger. Take the Internet for example – although there are lots of websites designed for children that are fun, educational, and interactive, there are also more and more communication tools such as instant messaging (IMing), chat rooms, and social networking that make it easy for kids to come in contact with unsuitable material or worse, to talk to strangers who could
be sexual predators.

Cell phones can seem just as hard to keep up with. Today, they are more than just portable phone lines that allow kids to call for a ride after school or dial 911 in an emergency; many new phones have standard gadgets like text messaging, cameras, and Internet capabilities that make it easier for kids to get into trouble by using them inappropriately. What’s a parent to do?

Although the old saying may sound cliché, it’s true: knowledge is power. In an increasingly digital world, it’s not possible (or even desirable) to shield kids from the potential dangers of the Internet and cell phones forever. What you can do is educate yourself about how these new technologies work, and then use your knowledge to teach children how to use them in a way that is healthy, educational, and age-appropriate.

Equally important is using your understanding of your children’s needs and maturity levels to tailor limits and guidelines just for them. In the following pages, you’ll find info on the latest digital fads and technology, tips for educating, monitoring, and restricting kids, and warning signs to watch out for when things go wrong – everything you need not only to keep up, but to stay one step ahead in the wireless world.