It is no mystery that technology allows kids to achieve 24-hour access to the media, but a recent study by the Kaiser Foundation discovered the typical kid spends 7.5 hours every day using entertainment media. By using multiple media at just once like music, TV, movies, the web, video games, and texting, kids can pack a complete of 10 hours and 45 minutes. Although these ways of socializing and communicating are often enriching, they are doing include certain risks. Kids can become victims of online bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers. “The Internet has great potential for youths in terms of data and resources, but we take seriously the work of teaching our youth the way to navigate it safely and properly,” said Dan Rauzi, senior director, of technology programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). BGCA has partnered with Sprint to handle these issues and help better prepare teenagers to navigate their world — both real and virtual. Sprint’s online resource, offers free tools from experts that address the risks that teens commonly encounter online and encourages positive dialogue about Internet safety. includes a special Media Safety section that has more information and teen-friendly resources to further promote Internet safety. Your child must remember that the basics — what we are saying, how we are saying it, and why we are saying it — are identical online and off. Here are some tips for discussing Internet safety together with your family: Create an honest, open environment. Kids look to their parents to assist guide them. you'll not have all the answers, and being honest this can go an extended way. Initiate conversations. whether or not your kids are comfortable approaching you, don’t expect them to begin the conversation. Use everyday opportunities to speak to your kids about being online. Communicate your values. Be upfront about your values and the way they apply in an internet context. Communicating your values clearly can help your kids make smarter and more thoughtful decisions after they face tricky situations. Be patient. most youngsters must hear information repeated, in small doses, for it to sink in. If you retain talking together with your kids, your patience and persistence pay off in the future.
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