Page 48 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — April 2014

As parents, we need to be aware of our influence, etiquette, and the dangers facing our kids today. We have the opportunity to expand our knowledge and protect our kids; yet also give them freedom to explore all the positives technology has to offer. Today’s teens could quite possibly be better multitaskers than any previous generation! So, what can parents do?

Set the Example! Model for your teens what behavior you think is appropriate. Beware, you are being watched.• If you don’t want them texting during dinner, then set your phone

away from the table.• If you don’t want them talking or texting while driving, then don’t

do it yourself. Even your younger kids are watching your example!• If you don’t want them waking during the night to text their friends,

turn phones off and put them away during the night. • Model good, healthy boundaries.

Android. iPhone. iPod. iPad. Tablet. Nook. Wii U. Are these common names in your household? Is “Google” a verb or command shouted across your family room? If your house

is anything like mine, your kids can’t imagine life before electronic devices and conveniences. Navigating the digital era can be both surprising and confusing for parents who aren’t “techie.” Times have changed from parents teaching their kids to kids teaching their parents. It’s not unusual for today’s teen to know more about software, apps, and devices than their parents do. The list of “what’s cool” seems to change quickly: texting, Snapchat, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, IMing, Wii, Xbox. In a 2012 survey of teens ages 12–17, 78 percent now have a cellphone and almost half of those own a smartphone. Times are changing! Among teen smartphone owners, half are "cell-mostly" Internet users. (Pew Research Center) Gone are the days where the family fights over the computer to surf the web because now we can surf wherever we are.

teens & technology

Navigating the Digital EraBy Karen Lee, LCPC, CSAT, Agape Counseling

April 2014 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 49

Set Clear Expectations!• Talk with your teen about your expectations regarding technology

use.• Have real discussions with your kids.• Set time limits.• Turn in devices at a specific time each day.• Follow your teen on social media sites.• Be familiar with whatever wireless devices your kids are using.• Teach your kids to be emotionally present with whoever they’re

physically with!• Be consistent.

Know the Potential Dangers• Cyberbullying: A serious problem among teens right now is the

potential to harm their peers. There have been cases of suicide after teens have been bullied online. Being excluded from activities or pics, intentionally targeted and labeled, or sharing inappropriate photos of others are just a few examples of recent cyberbullying.

• Pornography: Being exposed to online porn is a concern. The average age of first exposure to internet porn is 11 years old. Images down-loaded to the brain can’t just be deleted. In fact for some people, a sexual addiction can start with just looking at a few images online.

• Sexting: It’s so easy now to take provocative pics and send them out. However, once “sent,” the sender loses complete control over what happens next. One cannot get back what’s already been “out there” in the digital world.

• Strangers/Privacy: Teens are vulnerable if their identifying info is out there for others to see. It doesn’t have to be as extreme as a

Dateline NBC special; with the use of webcams and chat, hook-ups can be all online. Keep privacy controls high and encourage your kids to avoid posting their phone number, address, etc.

Investigate Protective Software and Parental Controls New tools are being developed every day, so become familiar with all the options. Talk to your kids about why the protection can be helpful. The tech world can be a little scary, but it is my hope that we don’t overreact to the potential dangers. I hope we can engage and connect with our kids like never before. They need our time, attention, and focus! So don’t delay, text your teen and set up a face-to-face coffee date. There is a lot to catch up on!

Karen Lee, LCPC, CSAT is a therapist at AGAPE Counseling. As a mom of two boys, Karen recognizes the impact and concerns of technology; as a therapist she specializes in the treatment of addic-tion and trauma. Karen is the Clinical Director of our Morton office and sees clients in both Morton and Bloomington. For more information, please contact Agape Counseling at 309-692-4433. They are a group of Christian counselors, social workers, psychologists and support staff committed to a therapeutic process that ministers to the whole person. Their Peoria office is located at 2001 W. Willow Knolls, Suite 110. The Morton location is 75 E. Queenwood Road. They also have an office in Bloomington, IL. Visit their website: www.agapecounselors.net.

Photo credit: David Pereiras Villagrá/Thinkstock

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