How parents can keep teens safe online

Talk about what information teens may share online and the specific hours they can access the Internet.

Specify the kinds of sites, apps, phone features and games that teens can use.

Make it a habit to ask teens to show you the sites they visit, pages they create, games they play and what they talk about and with whom.

If you’re going to monitor their online activities with a software like Microsoft’s Family Safety Tool, explain why and what the app will do.

Make it easy for teens to report bullying to you by giving them an assurance that you won’t withhold

or curtail phone, gaming or computer privileges because of the behavior

of others.

Watch for signs of online cruelty as well as for signs of your kids being mean to others offline. Make it clear that they should never bully anyone.