Tips+from+the+Tech+Team

We have some clear opinions about how to help kids stay safe and productive on the internet.

Scott:
 * Communicate with your child. This might mean regular family dinners, getting your own MySpace and Facebook, or talking about tough things with them. Listening is key. Honesty is essential.
 * Learn about how young people are using the internet. Resources here can help. Then determine and continually re-evaluate how your own child's internet use either fits these perceived trends or does not
 * Establish and maintain clear and simple rules for use of the internet connection you pay for.
 * You have access to any passwords to any accounts
 * You determine how much time on the computer is too much time
 * Respect your child's right to privacy, within limits
 * Seeking out pornography or any other inappropriateness is not okay and will result in loss of privilege--check histories regularly
 * Any browser window that is suddenly minimized when you come near is probably not a good one, but it may be simply private email. Balance your right to protect your child with their growing right to individualism and privacy
 * Keep the internet-connected computer in an open space. Ours is on a workdesk in a corner of our kitchen, screen facing out