Click here to download a Tips for Managing Your Teen's Online Behavior PDF 

Keep the Computer Where You Can See It:  It's easier to casually keep an eye on your teen's online use when the computer is in a common area rather than a private bedroom.

Get Educated About the Internet:  The more you understand what's going on in cyberspace, the better equipped you'll be to talk with your teen about their online conversations.  Learn what's available to your teen online, such as social networking sites (including FaceBook and MySpace), message boards (including teenspot.com and studentcenter.org), and helpful services (including drugfree.org).  You may also want to check out Caron's Teen Glossary, which can help you stay updated on the lingo around alcohol and drug use.

Web-Surfing is a Privilege:  Define the rules, concerns and expectations for online activities with your teen.  Set limits on internet usage and alert them that you'll be regularly asking them to walk you through their recent online activity.

Keep Checking In:  Have regular conversations with your teen about what they do when they're online.  Discuss their screen name(s) and any sites where they regularly visit or post.  Let them know you're always available to talk.

Explain That the Virtual World Lives On:  It is becoming common for employers and colleges/universities to research online behavior of prospects, so let your teen know that whatever they say or do online will likely have a long virtual shelf life.

Teach Them How to Deal with Peer Pressure:  Explain that just like in real life, "virtual" conversations can become uncomfrotable or inappropriate.  Discuss examples of how they might respond to a conversation or posting that turns to drugs or alcohol.

Be Aware of Signs:  Signs that your child could be engaging in inappropriate or dangerous behavior online include: closing a screen quickly when you walk by, becoming distressed if you remove computer privileges, and difficulty waking up for school because of late night online activity.

Consider Monitoring or Filtering:  Excellent software exists today that can monitor every key stroke and give your regular reports about virtual behavior.  Filtering programs also allow you to block teens from visiting sites that wouldn't be appropriate under any circumstances.  Caron's Student Assistance Professionals suggest Specter Pro 5.0 for monitoring software and Net Nanny 5.1, or Kidsnet.com for filtering software.

Make it a Community Effort:  You may want to set up a town hall meeting in your community with other relevant voices to discuss this issue.  For more information, contact Caron's Student Assistance Program at 800-678-2332.