Tips for Parents
Here are some suggestions for parents to help keep kids safe when using wireless devices:
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Most importantly, teach your child about good decision-making skills. This includes making good decisions about when and where to use their device, treating others with respect, and how to keep him/herself safe when using the device.
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Talk to your child about the responsibilities that come with having wireless devices. Use a "Safe Use Agreement" that spells out exactly what is expected of your child and what will happen if these rules are broken. Let your child have a say when making this agreement.
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If your child comes to you with evidence that he/she is being cyberbullied, don't overreact. Many parents' first response to this type of situation is to take the device away, or even to blame the child. If you overreact, then your child will be less likely to approach you with this type of problem (or any other, for that matter).
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If your child receives threats or inappropriate material, save the evidence and contact an expert (police, school officials, etc.).
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Be proactive - discuss problems and situations with your child before they arise. For example, ask your child what he/she would do if they receive an inappropriate text message from someone.
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Take time to get to know your child's device. Read instruction manuals, play around with the device, and even ask your child to show you what they can do with it.
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Learn as much as possible about any parental controls available for your child's device. Check the user's manual or contact customer support via phone or web for help with this, as these controls are different from device to device.
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Know who is in your child's contact list, address book, buddy list, etc.
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Know your child's usernames and passwords.
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Monitor your cell phone statements to keep track of how many minutes are used, when calls are made, how many text messages are sent and received, etc.
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Advise your child not to post pictures of others without their consent, and not to post any pictures that he/she wouldn't want you to see.
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Remind your child of possible legal problems associated with posting pictures without consent, threats, etc.
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Google yourself and your children on a regular basis to check for inappropriate or false references. Search for names, usernames, screen names, etc.