by Sage Mother Raven

Created on: February 13, 2007   Last Updated: March 19, 2012

Are you one of those parents that has a child with a computer in his or her bedroom? Did they beg for a web cam for Christmas? Do you hear whispers and strange rustling when you pass the bedroom door and you know they are on their computer? Is Myspace their lifeline?

Your young person could be entering into online relationships that are based on their presenting themselves as being older than they truly are. This might be harmless if they are only talking to those in the same age group but when the computer becomes the doorway to adult behavior, it is trouble.

All too often, teenagers inflate their ages to gain access to some of the more adult behaviors found on the Internet. Their social network might be full of names belonging to older men and women who have no idea they are not speaking with someone over 18, but are being blamed for the corruption of the young. Before computers came along, teens would do the same thing to get beer and spirits, so this behavior isn't new at all!

It is up to each and every parent to take steps within their own households to prevent their teenagers from participating in or even initiating in appropriate behavior. The changes you make need not be difficult and will reap rewards that you haven't considered.

• Remove all computers from bedrooms

There is no reason for a teen to have a computer in their room. They need the space on their desk for school work. They need their bed to sleep on, but a computer is an item they can share with their brothers and sisters. It should be in a common area, such as the family room. If the computer is used for homework then you might consider moving it away from the television but it should still be in an area that is easily observable from other rooms in the house.

• Install passwords

There should be a password that changes with each use so that your teenager cannot access the Internet without your permission. Set the password so the computer will not allow access to anything online, not even a search engine, without the proper code or word. There are many ways for a determined teen to find a back door into a site without your being aware. If they are limited to working offline without the password they can't get close enough to try.

• Check The Screen

Walk up behind your teen at irregular intervals and just see what is on the screen. If they cannot predict when you might peek over their shoulder then they are less likely to initiate or participate in something

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