Tips For Using Tech Devices Safely This Summer

School’s out and with more time on their hands, many children are turning to their tech devices for entertainment. Armed with tablets and smartphones kids might have more time to test boundaries as they explore the Internet, text with friends and participate in social media. From tweens to teens, our kids are tech savvy and that means that as parents we need to be as well.

So, AT&T has some suggestions to help parents when it comes to technology and children’s safety this summer.

1) Get tech savvy. Talk to your kids about what sites they’re visiting on the Internet and what kind of social media they are participating in. You should even experiment with them yourself. This will give you a better feel in evaluating risks and potential abuses. Friend them or follow them.

2) Check privacy settings on social media, but emphasize that there is no privacy. The more private, the less likely inappropriate material will be received by your child, or sent to their circle of acquaintances. But make sure your child understands that everything sent over the Internet or a cellphone is public and can be shared with the entire world.

3) Set rules for texting. Tell your child you have the right to monitor the texts that are sent and received.

4) Research what your carrier offers that can help. AT&T has Smart Limits which allows parents to block unwanted calls and texts from up to 30 numbers, set monthly limits on texts and mobile purchases and restrict texting, data usage and outbound calling during specified times of day.

5) Set boundaries and time limits for use. A parent’s responsibilities in overseeing a child’s technology use are not much different than in other areas of daily life. Set clear boundaries on appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology. Make sure these rules and the consequences of breaking them are clear. And monitor use to make sure they are following the rules.

Have a safe and happy summer!