Gaming and Internet Use

Facebook . . . MySpace . . . YouTube…Video Games, arghh!

What is it all about? I mean, why are teenagers so obsessed with these sites? What is the appeal of Video Games? Should parents be worried? What are teenagers actually doing when they are on-line and why are they doing it? Is Facebook a friend or a foe?

I have to say that I have, as a parent, been very reluctant to allow my children to play video games and go on even appropriate social networking sites. In fact I even wrote a blog on what I did when my Mum offered to buy a Wii. I have been very anti the whole thing. I think for two main reasons.

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Should you spy on your teenager?

Spying on teenagers – should you even do it is the question.

I was recently asked this question for a magazine article.

In my mind, spying can never lead to a “good” result. In essence a parent/teen relationship that is successful hinges on two things; trust and respect. When you spy on your teenager you are giving out two powerful messages:

1. I don’t trust you and

2. I don’t respect you, your private space and your private time.

Sending out that message will seriously damage your relationship and you are more likely to encourage your teenage to act irresponsibly. They may think that they are not trusted anyway, so they may as well.

The question should not be how to supervise your child, but how to instil responsibility and trust into them.

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Gen Y Guide Podcast – Keeping Your Teens Safe on the Net

Gen Y Guide Podcast – Keeping Your Teens Safe on the Net

Online safety can be a challenge for many parents. How do you ensure your children are safe on-line.

with Gen Y Guide Sarah Newton