Blog

How to Capture Your Children’s Memories as They Grow- Digitally or Manually

Fri, 06 May 2016 09:48:10 -0600

When our children were born, we were given “baby books” to record their lives and milestones. But the baby books only allowed us to keep memories of our child’s first year. Yes, there are the “school years” journals, too, which are fun to use but are easily separated from the baby books and can be repetitive from year to year. If you are a busy new mom or dad and don’t have much time to fill in any books, try using a memory box. Jot down the highlights or notes of achievement and stuff them into the box as they occur during your child’s early years.

BREAK THE BOOK, VIDEO DIARY, OR SCAPBOOK INTO LIFE SEGMENTS:
Capturing your children’s memories as they grow is not only an information gathering and archiving tool, it is a great conversation starter for everyone involved from your child to you and on to their grandparents and siblings. The steps for organizing and capturing the memories of your child’s life can be broken down into quick and creative life segments.

Birth to Twelve
Teen Years
Adult Life
Values and Philosophies
Favorites
Family Tree
Healthy History

SET UP AN ANNUAL INTERVIEW:
To get your organizing system into motion, set a reminder on your phone or calendar to spend time with your child around his or her birthday each year and ask them a few simple questions. Once your kids are old enough, this loving, parenting appointment allows you to really listen to your child from their point of view and keeps you in the loop as to what is important to them at any given time. Below I have included excerpt questions from my interview book, “Cherished Memories – The Story of My Life”. Record your child’s responses in a journal or scrapbook. If you prefer the digital approach, you can video tape the short interviews each year and store them in your cloud account. When creating your digitized files, be sure keep your “naming conventions” similar from year to year.

For example:
Jacob’s Life Story Interview – Age 6
Jacob’s Life Story Interview – Age 17

TRY THESE QUESTIONS:

What is your full name? Why was it chosen for you? Were you named after someone else?
What was your religion at birth?
Were there any religious ceremonies following your birth? If so, which ones?
As you were growing up did you have a nickname? If so, what was it and was
there a story behind it?
If you were adopted, at what age? Did you know your birth parents? Do you have any thoughts you want to share?
Who cared for you during your early years?
What is your very first memory?

As your son or daughter moves into their teens, they can begin filling in their answers or you can ask:

How would you describe your family life?
What kinds of things do you and your parents disagree about?
How do you and your parents compromise?
Do you have to do chores? Is there any one that you particularly dislike?
Do you get an allowance as a teen? If so, how much is it?
Are you allowed to date? If so, do you remember your first date and who was it with? Describe the date.

What’s even more fascinating and memory making is if YOU share your answers too. The dialogue that sparks from these moments can cement your relationship with your child for the rest of your lives.

How to Manage Your Child’s Time Online

Thu, 05 May 2016 09:48:10 -0600

Summer is right around the corner and many parents are worried about how much time their children will spend online over summer break. In an ideal world, our kids would be out frolicking in the grass, climbing trees, playing tag, and playing board games all day long…never asking for the tablet. However, today that’s clearly not what our children want to do 24-7.

The good news is, you’re not alone in this challenge. First realize that you aren’t the worst parent in the world for allowing your child a few hours of screen time (see My kids use their tablet and I’m not sorry). Fortunately, there are many benefits to the enormous amounts of educational tools available on line today (much different than the days when I binge watched hours of MTV) but I think we can all agree that boundaries for online usage are a necessity for raising children today. The question becomes, how do we do this without getting into the dreaded battles all parents face when telling their kids they have to get off their tablet or phone?

Instead of engaging in an argument or battle, rise above the challenge by providing ground rules that are reasonable. Let go of the anger and embrace technology using a realistic, healthy approach.

Here’s how.

Create some rules. Depending on your child’s age, sit down and create reasonable expectations for how much time should be spent online. Perhaps a family meeting is a great time to allow your child to feel heard about how they would like to spend their time this summer. In addition, this is a great opportunity to explain WHY you need to establish rules and not that you’re just trying to challenge their independence. According to Harris Interactive, a quarter of teens would be shocked (24 percent), one in five would feel hurt (19 percent) and 34 percent would feel offended if they found out their mother was keeping track of what they do online without their knowledge or permission. For this reason, it’s important to be seen as an ally not a spy.
Stick to your guns. Once rules have been established, stick with them. Your kids will test at first but it will soon become the norm and they will appreciate knowing the rules and expectations in the long run.
Use a time management tool. It’s easy to lose track of how long your child has been online but fortunately parental control software like Net Nanny^® provides time management solutions to easily keep track of your child’s usage. In fact, Net Nanny^® was recently rated one of the best time management tool according to AT&T Top 12 Safety Apps for Parents providing filtering options, social media monitoring, and time management features. Best of all, with remote access, you can receive reports or change profile settings as long as you have internet connection.

Once these difficult conversations have taken place, guidelines have been established, and monitoring tools are being utilized, you can rest assured knowing that your kids will have a healthy dose of screen-time this summer.

3 Things Parents Don’t Know About Their Child’s Online Behavior

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 11:48:52 -0600

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, half of parents check their teens’ messages and 65% have taken away the Internet as a form of punishment. Most parents understand that times have changed and their children’s lives are being affected by their online choices. The challenge for today’s parents is that online activities and popular apps change every day. Parents may be surprised to find out what their children are really doing online. Here’s what we have found.

1. Teens spend 9 hours a day using media (according to Common Sense Media)
Okay, maybe not all kids but your child may be spending more time than you realize. When parents were asked to guess how much time their child was spending online, the common guess was three hours. Tweens (ages 8 to 12) spend an average of 6 hours online every day, while teens spend an average of 9 hours a day online. Keep in mind, these hours do not include their online activity for school or homework- it is purely for entertainment purposes. Are you surprised? Keep reading.

2. They talk with strangers… often
Although they may have been taught from a very young age to never talk to strangers, it is almost a guarantee that your children are talking with people they have never met before. With messaging apps such as ASKfm, WhatsApp, and KIK, that encourage anonymity, most children interact with strangers on a daily basis. It is becoming more and more common among tweens and teens to connect with strangers on messaging apps then invite them to connect with them via Instagram and/or Facebook. If you think KIK and other social media is a safe way for your kids to meet people, think again.

This isn’t just a problem with social media, but also with video games. Live streaming of video games encourages interaction with total strangers of all ages, all around the world.

3. More than 33% of adolescents have received threats online
Cyberbullying is more common than most parents think; over half of children have been bullied or engaged in bullying online.

Cyberbullying is not always done with malicious intent. Young people may be using the Internet to make fun of friends; however, when it’s done online, it’s displayed for EVERYONE to see and can have long-term effects such as denied applications for colleges and jobs.

Moral of the story? If you can’t beat them, join them; have social media accounts and download the apps that your children are using. Know what your child is doing, monitor their activities*, and follow our blog to stay current on the latest apps and fads.

*Interested in social monitoring software? Net Nanny now offers customers purchasing the Family Protection Pass a free subscription to Net Nanny Social ($20 value). Net Nanny Social lets parents monitor their child’s friends, pictures, and posts on social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google+ and LinkedIn.

My Kids Use Their Tablets and I'm Not Sorry

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 09:48:10 -0600

I’m a single mom. Might I add, I’m a great mom and my kids are well adjusted. They are well behaved and are getting good grades in school.

But I have a dirty little secret. My kids use their electronics…quite often. For me, it’s not really a choice, it’s a necessity. I have been a single mom for 4 years. While working and taking care of kids is challenging, I embrace the craziness and focus on the things I can control. Sometimes, this means using the iPad as a babysitter.

Let’s face it, when many of us were kids, we watched a lot of television. As a child of the 80’s, I remember binge watching nickelodeon when cable FINALLY came to our suburban community. My mom was also a single mom so I’m sure for her it was a necessity as well, however, I don’t think I was alone in my TV consumption compared to many of my friends.

Today, my kids aren’t on electronics 24-7. As a family, we take the time to appreciate nature, we have some rules about when to use our phones (myself included), and I read a story to my kids every night. However, there are many times when I use the tablet as a crutch.

Being a parent in 2016 isn’t easy. These days many mothers are expected to work while juggling taking care of the family. Fathers are expected to work crazy hours and still feel pressure to chaperone the kids field trips. Even stay at home moms feel pressure to sell something on the side. While it’s great that we’re all participants, it can get a little overwhelming.

While my kids don’t use the iPotty (where they can view their iPad while going the bathroom…seriously this product really exists and has been awarded the dreaded TOADY Award for Worst Toy of the Year by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood?!), they do spend time on their tablets. In today’s parental conundrum, I believe it’s not just about setting limits and monitoring (I use monitoring software called Net Nanny to make sure they are safe, block inappropriate websites, and set time limits as to when they cannot use devices) but it’s also about making sure there’s open communication and taking part in their online activities. Most of what they are doing are educational and positive in nature but I take time to do the following:

View monitoring reports on where they are going online
Spend time with them to learn about what they are doing
Set limits for usage
Use parental control software to block and filter inappropriate content (porn, violence, profanity masking)
Be aware of your own screen time and smart phone usage

Is Kik Safe For Kids?

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:48:10 -0600

My parents are in their 50’s. They have seven children- ages ranging from 11 to 33. When my older sisters and I were teenagers, it was a little easier for my parents to keep track of who our friends were and whom we were talking with. I remember I would go up to my room with the portable home phone to have a “private conversation” only to be interrupted by my mom picking up another phone in the house and asking whom I was talking to.

Things are a little different now. My two sisters that are still living at home are 11 and 15 years old. They both have personal iPhones; they are the primary target market for messenger app creators.

In a recent conversation with my mom, I asked her if she had ever heard of Kik. She had, but that was the extent of her knowledge about the popular app. What she didn’t know was that my 15-year-old sister had constantly used Kik. My sister explained to me that it was a great way to stay in touch with her friends, and easy to find them by their username. As time went on what she loved most about Kik became the very reason she had to stop using it because there were no boundaries to protect her from stranger danger. My 15-year-old sister started receiving messages from strangers and anyone and everyone were able to start chatting with her-even if they weren’t her friends. Kik does offer the ability to block strangers from chatting with her, but like most of her friends they rarely used the block feature.

Messenger apps such as Snapchat* and Whats App have become increasingly popular among teens. The biggest attraction to these apps is ability to make conversations private from parents and create different usernames.

Over 40% of US teens use Kik, and the majority of parents don’t know about it. Although there are some teens that recognize the dangers of the app, many don’t and there are consequences to these choices.

The app has an age requirement of 13+ (with a parent’s approval), however it’s not recommended for children under 17 due to reoccurring involvement in incidents of child exploitation. It has a reputation for attracting sexual predators because of the anonymity features and has weak parental controls.

So, is Kik safe for your kids? Probably not. Be aware of new messenger apps and talk with your teen about the potential dangers. Help them by educating yourself and using these apps yourself.

*Want to know more about Snapchat? Read Why We Love Snap Chat-the Anti bullying app.

Snap Chat- It’s not what you think

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 11:48:52 -0600

If you’ve been wondering why everyone is talking about Snapchat, it’s because it’s a brilliant way for people to connect and share their stories. 18% percent of all social media users are using snapchat and it’s growing. That’s a pretty staggering statistic if you ask us. Its popularity has grown so much since it’s conception in 2011 that Facebook reportedly offered Snapchat 3 billion in late 2013.

What is Snapchat and why is it so popular? Snapchat is a phone app where users can take a picture or a video (up to 10 seconds). They can send it to their friends or just share it for their followers to see. After 24 hours, their snap (or sometimes called story) will disappear.

There are no likes or comments like there are on Facebook posts. We like that there is no visible way to react to people’s snaps and see what others think about a particular idea. This can allow people to be who they are without needing recognition or approval of likes and comments. This can decrease chances of cyber bullying or a popularity contest.

Top 4 Reasons to Use Snapchat
1		No likes or comments takes away the likelihood of cyber bullying.
2		Snaps disappear so less of a chance to damage reputations
3		It is just plain fun – let your creativity soar using their free cool effects.
4		Tell your story in a different manner than any other social media platform.

Snaps disappear which makes users more comfortable, however, at any time, your followers can take a screenshot of your snap and it can live forever. The disappearing stories can be misleading for teens but Forbes notes that it’s far easier to delete a problematic post before it’s misused by ill-advised friends and acquaintances.

Snapchat is just plain fun. The filters allow people of all ages to get creative by turning themselves into a unicorn (or a variety of other cool effects). You can even take a video, speed it up/ make it slow motion, or add the current temperature to your picture.

Snapchat allows people to tell a story in a different way than any other social media platform. Filters and geo filters add a layer to your image with a simple swipe. Geo filters are a unique way to show people where you are and what you’re doing. For example, let’s say you would go to a festival, you take a picture, then swipe on your picture and you can add an image (or logo) that says where you are. This logo appears to float over your image in a fun, playful style.

This platform is only allowed for children ages 13 and up. As with any other social media platform, teens may need guidance or advice about thinking before posting.

It is important to remember the dangers of these types of messaging apps as mentioned in Huffington Post here. The disappearing images can create problems due to a misleading perception that the images can not be traced or reused. For this reason, it’s extremely important to make an educated decision about whether this app is in the best interest for your family.

Let us know what you think about Snapchat. Are you a lover, hater, like it, or could care less? Enter your comment below or send an email to toni@contentwatch, random commenters will be chosen for a free three-month subscription to Net Nanny.

(If you are already a subscriber a three-month extension will be added to your current subscription.)

5 Ways to Prevent Cyber Bullying

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 11:48:52 -0600

Although bullying has been a long-lasting problem, cyber bullying has become a big issue in the last few years, and it can be even more harmful. Unlike bullying, cyber bullying doesn’t stop when children come home. It can happen all hours of the day, every day of the week. If your child has a cell phone or social media account, they are susceptible to cyber bullying.

Often times, kids won’t talk to their parents or guardians about being cyber bullied. So how can we know if they are being bullied online? Look for telltale signs such as depression, anxiety and stress, loss of interest in school, or dropping grades.

Fortunately, you don’t have to take away your child’s cell phone or Internet access in order to protect him or her. As parents, we play a big role in preventing and helping cyber bullying. We’ve come up with a list of the top five ways parents can help prevent and protect kids from being cyber bullied.

1. Don’t let the wrong information get into the wrong hands.
Your child may intend to share with close friends and family but if their profiles aren’t private, then others can use the information maliciously. Facebook and Instagram, and other social media sites have the ability to adjust settings to private. Go through profiles with your child and make sure each of their profiles are private, so not just anyone can look at all the details of their lives.

2. Passwords MUST be confidential
Teach your child to NEVER share their passwords – even with their closest friends. Many of the cyber bullying cases are due to friends (or ex-friends) using someone else’s account to post explicit or embarrassing content.

3. Invest in protective software
As a parent, it can be overwhelming trying to protect your child by yourself. Parental controls, such as Net Nanny Social, make it easier to watch for signs. Net Nanny Social has a language detection feature, gives parents access to view photos and videos posted by their child, and sends notifications to parents when harmful activities are detected.

4. Keep personal things personal
Cyber bullies will use any information they can to hurt someone else’s reputation. Teach your child to think before they post pictures and content. Teach them not to post anything embarrassing or personal that could be used against them.

5. Know what’s on your child’s mind
Have an open conversation and decide with your child when and where they can have access to the Internet. Let them know that they can talk to you if they are ever in a harmful situation.

Top Internet Safety Tips #8: Set Privacy Settings

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 18:40:34 -0700

Creating weak passwords and sharing passwords leads to a majority of the issues on the Internet. Below are the top 3 tips associated with passwords that can keep you safe online. By following these guidelines, you can avoid a handful of troubles such as identity theft, cyberbullying, and more.

Children, tweens, and teens with social media accounts tend to over share details of their lives. Although they intend to share only with friends and family, the content is not always secure and can be used maliciously by cyberbullies, thieves, stalkers, and more.

To avoid issues, ensure that your child has enabled privacy settings and that they are up-to-date.

Facebook

Facebook is currently the most popular social media platform. To secure your child's account, click on the lock icon in the upper right corner and Change the default settings under "who can see my stuff" to friends only.

This is a basic and quick way to set your child's profile to private, however, Facebook has many more advanced options available under the lock icon.

Instagram

Although Facebook is the most popular social media platform, Instagram is most popular among teens. The privacy settings for Instagram are much more black and white- either you have a private account or you don't.

To set your Instagram account to private, go to your child's profile by tapping the user icon on the bottom right of the screen. Once opened, tap the settings icon in the upper right hand corner. Scroll down and toggle the "private account" to "on."

These are just a couple of examples of how to activate privacy settings. Make sure that your child has enabled them on all social media sites including other popular ones like Snapchat and Twitter.

Top Internet Safety Tips #9: Create a Contract

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 18:40:34 -0700

The most important way to create a safe online environment is to be on the same page as your children. Talk with each other and create a set of rules together that both parents and kids can agree on. Once you have constructed a set of rules, print and sign, and hang it in your home.

This contract is to be used as an example, as every family has different needs.

Click here to download this contract in PDF format for easy printing at home!

Top Internet Safety Tips #7: Know the Passwords

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 18:40:34 -0700

1. Know your child’s password

Although teens aren’t going to be too excited about this one, it is important. Kids can get into trouble with strangers, friends, and bullies, and they aren’t always going to tell a parent about it. By knowing their passwords to social media profiles, you can check up on them. Explain that it isn’t a violation but a safety precaution. Plus, teens are more likely to stay in line –online- when they know their parents are watching.

2. Create a different password for every account

Remembering one password as opposed to 50 may seem easier, but in the long run it could lead to harmful consequences. Teach your child to use a different password for every account (and do so yourself). If the password and username used for one account gets into the wrong hands, they can use that information for every other account that you have. Additionally, make sure each password you have is STRONG. Don’t make them too easy to guess. Use a variety of symbols, uppercase letters, and lowercase letters.

3. Do NOT share passwords

Many of the cyberbullying cases start out with friends sharing passwords. All too often, a friend (or worse, an ex-friend) will log onto another’s account and pretend to be them. They could say explicit things, posing as your child, getting them in trouble. Not only that, but they could post embarrassing photos or content, and damage your child’s self-image. Cover your bases and keep you and your child safe online. Know your child’s passwords, have a variety of passwords, and keep your passwords secret. Follow those simple steps for added online safety.

Top Internet Safety Tips - Top Tips from Net Nanny

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 18:40:34 -0700

Read more in-depth about all of the Net Nanny Top Internet Safety Tips on the Net Nanny blog.

Top Internet Safety Tips #5: Use Parental Controls

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:40:34 -0700

Parental supervision is essential to ensuring your child's safety online; however, it can be difficult to do it alone. Safety software is a highly recommended way to filter dangerous content. Parental controls software, such as Net Nanny, come with tools that can block pornography, manage time, monitor remotely, and more. The Internet has a lot of good to offer, don't let the negative aspects stop your child from using it’s resources.

Top Internet Safety Tips #6: Think Before Posting

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:40:34 -0700

Social media profiles say a lot more about us than we may intend to share. Teens often share enough information for hackers to figure out passwords or answers to password resets. According to a survey by LifeLock Inc., 75% of teens overshare personal information online. 63% of teens share the name of their school, and 23% share part of their home address.

Hackers aren’t the only ones looking at posts; predators, teachers, employers, and colleges all use social media to obtain information. In fact, 82% of online sex crimes originate from social networking sites that predators use to learn about their victims.*

Help your child to understand that their friends aren’t the only ones on the Internet and that there are a variety of negative consequences if they are not careful. Besides setting rules about what is and is not okay to share online, make sure they lock down their settings and take advantage of the privacy settings. Teach them to be conscious of when and where they reveal personal information. Generally, it’s a good rule of thumb to never post information such as addresses, emails, or phone numbers. Once it’s on the Internet, it is permanently on there. There is no erasing your digital footprint.

* Source: KidsLiveSafe.com

Top Internet Safety Tips #4: Be Kind Online

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:40:34 -0700

Anonymity is an appealing aspect of the Internet, especially for cyber bullies. In the last few years, it has become a serious issue among teens.

Cyber bullying can be anything from circulating hate messages, hacking into someone’s social media account, to making threats – and it is just as illegal online as it is in the real world. Because there has been so much attention brought to cyber bullying, it is harder to get away with it. Be aware of what your child says and does online because they can are being watched and can get caught.

Watch for signs to see if your child is bullying or being bullied. Sign soften include depression and anxiety, failing grades and school attendance, lack of sleep, and mistrusting others.

To help your child avoid being a bully or a victim, have access to their social media accounts and text messages. Set rules and create consequences if they are broken. Most importantly, let them know they can talk with you. Most victims or witnesses of cyber bullying will never tell an adult and the consequences can be extremely serious.

Top Internet Safety Tips #3: Manage Your Child's Time on the Internet

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:40:34 -0700

Reduce the chances of your child being exposed to inappropriate content by helping them manage their time.

Schedule specific times of the day when your child can use the Internet. (If you are a parent of a teen, let them be a part of setting the rules.
Avoid a wireless Internet connection. It can be harder to monitor usage when your child has access anywhere in the home.
Established consequences can help you and your child stick to time limits, ensuring safety.

Top Internet Safety Tips #2: Communicate Often

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 16:43:04 -0700

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day is just around the corner. On February 9^th this year, organizations and companies all over the world will be focusing their efforts on making the Internet a safer place. By doing so we will be making sure parents and others are up to date on the latest online issues and best ways to avoid those issues.

We have compiled a list of the top 9 Internet Safety Tips to help guardians, teachers, teens, and companies have the safest experience when online. Visit the blog throughout this week to read safety tips 1-9.

Safety Tip #2 - Communicate Often

Communicating is one of the best ways to ensure Internet safety. Create an environment where your child feels comfortable talking to you about anything. By developing this open dialogue, kids can understand the benefits and dangers of using the Internet. Let them know what is expected of them and that what you care about most is their safety; whether they are messaged by a cyber stranger, bully, or receive an inappropriate email, they can talk to a parent for help without being afraid of getting in trouble.

Don’t be afraid to follow-up often and ask them about their online activities. Ask whom they are talking with and what sites they frequently visit.

Top Internet Safety Tips #1: Set Rules

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 16:48:57 -0700

Safer Internet Day

Family Internet Safety Plan

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 15:30:28 -0700

Parents are aware of all the possible dangers that children can run into online. We want to help PREVENT any of those problems that could arise. Net Nanny software can play a role in helping to keep your home safe, but it is up to parents to create a safe environment.

Before you introduce technology and devices into your kids’ lives, consider creating a Family Internet Safety Plan. We’ve created one below as an example, but we encourage you to modify it to your family’s needs.

1. Communicate

First off, your children are as much as part of this as you are. Discuss which websites are and are not appropriate to visit. Review all of the positive ways they can use the web and encourage that behavior.

Secondly, it is the Internet, and they will run into dangers. Talk with them and let them know that they can talk about any and all of their web experiences.

2. Set Rules

As stated above, include your children when setting the rules. Agree and when and where they can use devices (right after school, no devices at dinner, etc.).

3. Enforce Limitations

After talking with your children and creating a list of guidelines, enforce them. They need to know what the consequences are and that they will be applied if any of the rules are broken.

4. Install Parental Controls

Although your child might have the best intentions, there are still accidents and great temptations online. Help your child understand that the parental controls are not to stop them, but to help them. Filters like Net Nanny help by blacklisting websites and content, as well as help with time management.

5. Stay Informed

Make it an important part of your plan to stay educated on the latest apps and social networks. On average, kids are more tech savvy than their parents. Deliberately learn how to use the devices that your children are using. Net Nanny has a wealth of information and tips to help parents stay informed.

Make Raising Smart Tech Users a Goal for 2016

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:24:46 -0700

Net Nanny's goal for 2016 is to guide parents on how to have conversations with their child about good digital habits. We want parents to balance their conversations about the dangers of the Internet with the positive role that technology can play in our lives. Children and teens respond much better when they are taught and told how to use something appropriately, verses constantly being told NO.

Our hope is that you will join us in our goal to make children smart tech users. We want to teach our children to take advantage of all the positive educational and entertainment opportunities available online today. As well as, to use technology in a positive and safe way so they can be a part of the viral world that is full of world-class resources and connected learning. If appropriate limits and boundaries are not introduced to your child, you run the risk that your child will most likely encounter problems such as cyberbullying, time management issues, and accidental exposure to explicit content.

Teach collaboration and creativity- Instead of focusing on cyberbullying and being a passive social media consumer, highlight the great opportunities the Internet has to offer. Teach them how to appropriately express themselves through creativity and be a constructive contributor.

Support schools and teachers- Many schools have introduced individual devices such as Chrome Books and iPads for the students to use.The amount of screen time children are getting can be worrisome for some parents; however parents should embrace this concept. Understand (and help your child see) that these methods will prepare them with necessary digital skills for future jobs and the rest of their lives.

It’s the 21^st century, and technology is here to stay. Show your children how they can thrive by using the resources available. Kids should be presented with all the great opportunities that are obtainable but also have appropriate time limits set on screen time to minimize digital distractions.Click here for more information on how to use Net Nanny to set appropriate time limits. Visit the Learning Center for more resources.

We hope you will join us on our journey to raise the next generation of smart tech users by developing these essential digital skills.

** Source:" Teach Positive Tech Use in 2016," HuffingtonPost.com

Monitoring Teens in the Digital Age

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 19:54:51 -0700

Teens aren’t the only ones who live in a world run by digital devices; Parents of teenagers have had to adapt and adopt the tech- filled lifestyle in order to stay up with the trends. Parenting has shifted from being aware of who your child is friends with at school, to monitoring your child’s online interactions and behavior.

The Pew Research Center recently surveyed parents of teens (ages 13-17) and found that many parents are stepping up their “parenting game.” In general, they are aware of their teen’s online activities and have taken various actions to monitor and manage time spent online.

According to the survey results, parents prefer to take more of a hands-on approach when monitoring online activities. The most popular methods they are using are: checking websites that their teens have visited (61%), checking social media profiles (60%), friending or following their teen on social networks (56%), reviewing their teen’s text messages (48%), and knowing their passwords for email accounts (48%), cell phones (43%) , and social media accounts (35%).

Despite parents taking these significant steps to monitor their teens, the majority is far less likely to install parental controls and other tech-based tools to help them in their monitoring efforts (stated above). The survey showed that only 39% of parents use parental controls to block, filter, or monitor online activities.

If you are parent of a teen, take a moment to consider the actions you take to ensure the safety of your children. Net Nanny provides parents with a way to watch their child’s web activities when they can’t do it themselves. Visit Net Nanny’s Blog for other ideas, tips, and information on Internet safety.

Source: Parents, Teens and Digital Monitoring, Pew Research Center

full report (PDF)

Blog

How to Capture Your Children’s Memories as They Grow- Digitally or Manually

How to Manage Your Child’s Time Online

3 Things Parents Don’t Know About Their Child’s Online Behavior

My Kids Use Their Tablets and I'm Not Sorry

Is Kik Safe For Kids?

Snap Chat- It’s not what you think

Top 4 Reasons to Use Snapchat

5 Ways to Prevent Cyber Bullying

Top Internet Safety Tips #8: Set Privacy Settings

Top Internet Safety Tips #9: Create a Contract

Top Internet Safety Tips #7: Know the Passwords

Top Internet Safety Tips - Top Tips from Net Nanny

Top Internet Safety Tips #5: Use Parental Controls

Top Internet Safety Tips #6: Think Before Posting

Top Internet Safety Tips #4: Be Kind Online

Top Internet Safety Tips #3: Manage Your Child's Time on the Internet

Top Internet Safety Tips #2: Communicate Often

Safer Internet Day

Safety Tip #2 - Communicate Often

Top Internet Safety Tips #1: Set Rules

Safer Internet Day

Family Internet Safety Plan

1. Communicate

2. Set Rules

3. Enforce Limitations

4. Install Parental Controls

5. Stay Informed

Make Raising Smart Tech Users a Goal for 2016

Monitoring Teens in the Digital Age