Parenting Teens and Technology (Part 9)
Photographs are of models and are used for illustrative purposes. © istockphoto.com
Learn how to report abuse – Just as we all know to call 911 in an emergency, know how to recognize dangerous situations when using technology and get help.
These websites provide information on how to report abuse. Review these websites with your child to understand what abuse might look like and what to do about it.
- www.Ftc.gov/complaint – Federal Trade Commission
- www.cybertipline.com – National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- www.wiredsafety.org – Nonprofit volunteer organization
- www.onguardonline.gov – Federal agency dedicated website
Review privacy/safety rules on any website you and your child use.
- Review and discuss the safety tips presented on these websites.
- Assure your child he/she can rely on you to help figure out an action plan if they should experience abuse.
Conversation starters:
- Show me what I should do if I start to get lots of emails from people and companies I don’t know.
- Do you know of anyone who got emails they didn’t want to see anymore?
- What would you do if somebody was making you feel uncomfortable?
- I want you to know that you can come to me or any other adult you trust if you don’t feel good about what’s happening on your cellphone or your computer.
Written and edited by Elizabeth Schar for Adolescent Counseling Services