| Parents who think their teens' online conversations are | | | | that whatever they say or do online will likely have a |
| innocent may want to take a look at a new study, | | | | long virtual shelf life. |
| commissioned by Caron Treatment Centers and | | | | Teach Them to Deal With Peer Pressure: Explain that |
| conducted by Nielsen BuzzMetrics. It found that one in | | | | just like in real life, "virtual" conversations can become |
| 10 messages analyzed involved teens seeking advice | | | | uncomfortable or inappropriate. Discuss how kids can |
| from peers on how to take illicit drugs without getting | | | | respond to a conversation or posting that turns to |
| caught. | | | | drugs or alcohol. |
| As the father of teenagers, I understand the concerns | | | | Be Aware of Danger Signs: Signs your child could be |
| parents face every day about preventing underage | | | | engaging in inappropriate or dangerous behavior online |
| drinking and drug abuse. Fortunately, there are steps | | | | include closing a screen quickly when you walk by, |
| parents can take to keep their own youngsters out of | | | | becoming distressed if you remove computer |
| such statistics: | | | | privileges and having difficulty waking up for school |
| Keep the Computer Where You Can See It: It's easier | | | | because of late night online activity. |
| to casually keep an eye on your teens' online use | | | | Consider Monitoring or Filtering: There's software that |
| when the computer is in a common area rather than a | | | | can monitor every keystroke and give you regular |
| private bedroom. | | | | reports about their virtual behavior. Filtering programs |
| Web-Surfing Is a Privilege: Define the rules, concerns | | | | let you block sites that aren't appropriate. Caron's |
| and expectations for online activities, and alert them | | | | Student Assistance Professionals suggest Spector |
| that you'll regularly ask them to walk you through their | | | | Pro 5.0 for monitoring and Net Nanny 5.1 for filtering. |
| recent online activity. | | | | • Mr. Lawford, who has been sober for 20 |
| Keep Checking In: Have regular conversations about | | | | years, authored The New York Times best-selling |
| what they do online. Discuss their screen name(s) and | | | | memoir "Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of |
| any sites where they regularly visit or post. Let them | | | | Snapshots and Redemption." He is the Public |
| know you're always available to talk. | | | | Advocacy Consultant to Caron Treatment Centers. |
| Explain That the Virtual World Lives On: It is becoming | | | | The more you understand cyberspace, the better you'll |
| common for employers and colleges to research the | | | | be to able talk with your teen. |
| online behavior of prospects, so let your teen know | | | | |