Parents, we have begun some discussions concerning how advances in technology can be good for all of us, but also can be dangerous if not thoughtfully used.  Our children’s brains and social skills are developing up through 20-22 years old.  How the mind is used, trained, exercised affects development.  Emerging technologies are our children’s futures to embrace, but the unhealthy use of technology can present danger and detours in development. Awareness and discerning decision making regarding new technologies will become very important skills for our young people to acquire.

Many children/young people now are posting profiles on websites such as myspace.com and facebook.com. No matter how secure they seem, they can be accessed by anyone. A full discussion with your child about the dangers of personal information and photos being posted is very important.

Most educators, psychologists and tech savvy professionals recommend that computers with Internet access be kept in a public room in homes and not in a child’s bedroom. Unobtrusive monitoring of a child’s computer time and activity can then occur.

The following websites might be helpful to visit: