// BEGIN editorial data var i = 0; var Tech_TechSecrets = new Array(); Tech_TechSecrets.ID = "Tech_TechSecrets"; Tech_TechSecrets.ID_WB = 26744952; Tech_TechSecrets.sPubDate = "9/18/2008 8:26:47 PM GMT"; Tech_TechSecrets.navsectionID = "15879576" Tech_TechSecrets.appFmt = 2; Tech_TechSecrets.itemsPerPage = 1; Tech_TechSecrets.nTeaseW = 298; Tech_TechSecrets.nTeaseH = 298; Tech_TechSecrets.appWidth = 624; Tech_TechSecrets.appHeader = "5 tech secrets parents need to know"; Tech_TechSecrets.appNavStyle = 7; Tech_TechSecrets.navCols = 1; Tech_TechSecrets.bDhtml = 0; Tech_TechSecrets.appLayout = 1; Tech_TechSecrets.copyHeight = 450; Tech_TechSecrets.copyWidth = 624; Tech_TechSecrets.copyMargin = 10; Tech_TechSecrets[i++] = new Array("","Introduction","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/ArtAndPhoto-Fronts/TECH/080915/DangerousInternet.jpg","","Image: Kids and internet", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "221", "594", "", "", "", "", ""); Tech_TechSecrets[i-1].body = "

Introduction



By Helen Popkin

Love it or not, Mom and Dad, technology isn’t going away. If anything, it will continue to rise in sophistication, drop in price and grow in availability. For kids born into total technology immersion, the gadgets of communication are no longer high-priced toys but essential tools of everyday life. What’s more, kids are fast adapters and may know a lot more tech tricks than even the savviest adult. But just because kids “get it” doesn’t mean parents should allow free reign. It’s important for adults to keep up with their kids' gadgets. Click on the arrows above to find out why."; Tech_TechSecrets[i++] = new Array("","Keeping the computer in the living room is no longer enough","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "273", "342", "", "", "", "", ""); Tech_TechSecrets[i-1].body = "

Keeping the computer in the living room is no longer enough



Once upon a time, keeping the computer in a central area of the home was the vanguard for Internet safety. Coupled with parental filtering software, it was once a fairly reasonable way to keep online dangers a safe distance from vulnerable kids. These days, however, the computer isn’t the only way to access the Internet. “Kids can walk around now with more Internet technology right in their backpack,” Parry Aftab recently told msnbc.com. As executive director for WiredSafety.org, which focuses on Internet safety for children, tweens and teens, she should know. “Xbox, personal gaming systems, cell phones. They are connected to the Internet everywhere they go, with everything they touch.” "; Tech_TechSecrets[i++] = new Array("","Cell phones provide easy access","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "197", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); Tech_TechSecrets[i-1].body = "

Cell phones provide easy access



For many parents, the cell phone has become a must-have safety tool for even grade school kids. As with any tool, however, misuse is also a reality:


Visit WiredSafety.org for tips on how to discuss these topics with your kids.
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Your kid's friends may not respect her online privacy



Your kid may be a total Internet safety genius — she knows better than to trust strangers she meets online, doesn’t post her cell phone number or her address, never uploads embarrassing photos that may come back to haunt her, and keeps her Facebook profile private so only her friends can see it.

But what about those friends? Even pals with the best intentions bust the rules. WiredSafety.org suggests that you and your kid regularly review the Internet activities of her friends and search (or “Google”) her name asking friends to remove anything that crosses the line, including:


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Cyberbullying can cause more damage than physical abuse



Cyberbullying occurs when minor is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another minor using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, or mobile phones. Though your kid won’t come home bloody or bruised, cyberbullying can be just as damaging, with long-term effects that will stay with him for years.

Easy-access technology, combined with the general “Lord of the Flies” nature of childhood, open the playing field for children to become perpetrators or victims. This sort of victimization can be especially hurtful, as technology is everywhere. Even home isn’t a safe haven from unrelenting humiliation if your child has access to the Internet. Cyberbullying tactics include:


To learn more about how to recognize and deal with cyberbullying, visit WiredSafety.org and NetBullies.org."; Tech_TechSecrets[i++] = new Array("","Superior tech savvy doesn’t equal emotional smarts","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "273", "364", "", "", "", "", ""); Tech_TechSecrets[i-1].body = "

Superior tech savvy doesn’t equal emotional smarts



Kids may pick up new technology faster than adults, but because they are immature, they don’t always think of the ramifications of their actions. Tech affords an immediacy that doesn’t allow kids a cooling off period. They’ll send a revealing or cruel text instantly. They’ll post images online they don’t realize will damage their future. With raging hormones blurring head smarts, even the savviest kid can fall for that dream boy or girl they met on MySpace — who may or may not be real.

Even if your kid is the one teaching you about new technology, you’re still the parent. As WiredSafety.org emphasizes, you should work hard to keep an open line of communication with your kids and let them know what is or is not acceptable. That won’t stop your kid from making mistakes, but it can lessen the severity.

For more information on keeping your kid safe, visit WiredSafety.org.
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