“Should I allow my child to have her own blog?” It’s a good question and one we often receive from parents. Our answer is a resounding Yes—blog! blog! blog! But do so wisely. Blogging can open up an incredible world of learning, self-expression, and technical skills for kids of almost any age. More and more Read more…
The web is packed with free learning tools that will strengthen your understanding of the online culture, its tools and its phenomenal capabilities. The sites we’ve listed are free and often include video and podcast learning options. Explore these sites and make it a goal to learn a little more each day about the online Read more…
“Mom, how do you block people on Instagram? I can’t figure it out,” yelled 13-year old Chloe casually from the top of the stairs. Chloe tried to mask the urgency to her question. She had just discovered several bluntly inappropriate comments beneath a photo she posted of herself on Instagram. A month earlier Monica agreed Read more…
As social media becomes more integrated into everyday life, so too, the responsibility of being a good digital citizen increases when we log on and connect with real people. Did you know there are three tools on Facebook that can actually help save a life? A big thumbs up to Facebook developers who have wisely Read more…
It’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month. You may have noticed, October is the month in which news reporters, government agencies, non-profits and security companies work together to remind consumers that security is a huge deal and that it’s everyone’s responsibility. Take an inventory of your devices and online practices this month. Ask yourself: How can I improve my Read more…
A recent news story is as an acute reminder to parents to monitor all of their kids’ online networks—even secondary social networks, like Xbox LIVE. According to reports, four Iowa teens—two males and two females—ran away from their homes in what police say may have been a plotted escape made during conversations during Xbox LIVE gaming sessions. Read more…
It’s rare that money jingles in our pocket or gets hidden between the mattresses for a rainy day. The way you grew up—and the tangible presence of money—isn’t the same experience for your 21st century cyber kid. As digital natives, our kids have grown up with an entirely different view of money: Money is plastic, Read more…
If you can hear your kids hysterically laughing in another room, chances are they—and their friends—are watching videos on YouTube. The numbers are staggering: Over 4 billion YouTube videos are viewed a day, which is about “500 years of YouTube video” each day, according to YouTube. What’s the big deal? Well, everything if you are Read more…
Webcams have always been an area of concern for parents with online kids. Webcams can affect the safety and privacy of your children, but a website called Stickam poses an even greater risk. There are plenty of webcam sharing websites such as TinyChat and Chatroulette, but Sitckam is a little different. Chatroulette and Tinychat offers Read more…
In a fantasy world, children (of all ages) would tell their parents everything. “I am not really sick today – I really just want to catch up on some TV!” “Erica isn’t just my study mate – she is my girlfriend and we have been together for 6 months!’ “I know I am only 12 Read more…