• My teen might be using drugs. Can I use technology to better monitor him/her?
• Is there a kit I can buy for my phone or computer that will tell me if my teen is getting into trouble?
• I caught my teen visiting inappropriate Web sites or posting inappropriate content online. What should I do?
• More Information links and resources

My teen might be using drugs. Can I use technology to better monitor him/her?

The first step is to closely monitor the technology your teen uses frequently. Cell phones, instant messaging and social networking sites such as MySpace.com are popular among teens. These technologies have many positive uses, but they can also be used to facilitate drug use. Check out Digital Technology 101 for advice on how to monitor these technologies.

Also, check the computer history to see Web sites visited by your teen. Contact your Internet service provider for help. Ask to see your teen’s cell phone address book. Check on unfamiliar names and numbers. Review your teen’s personal Web page together. Pay close attention to pictures and other details and read any blog entries.

If you suspect drug use, the most important thing is to take action right away.

Is there a kit I can buy for my phone or computer that will tell me if my teen is getting into trouble?

There are some products that may help if you suspect your teen is taking risks. But every situation is different. It is up to you to assess your family’s needs when it comes to monitoring tools.

Many software providers have products to help you filter or monitor Internet use. You can purchase or download many of these from the Internet. Some also are available at computer or electronics stores. Companies such as Guardian Angel Technologies and Teen Arrive Alive enable parents to monitor their teen’s geographic location via cell phone. Other software, such as SpectorSoft Corp.’s Spector application, records e-mail, instant messaging, screenshots, and key strokes. Learn more about monitoring technologies in the “Need Extra Help?” section.

While these products are generally effective, many tech-savvy teens can work around them. TheAntiDrug.com suggests that parents NOT rely solely on filters and other monitoring devices, but instead, combine use of filters with first-hand parental monitoring and ongoing communication.

I caught my teen visiting inappropriate Web sites or posting inappropriate content online. What should I do?

If possible, set rules and consequences for online activity before there are problems. Situations vary, so it’s up to you to decide on the right consequence. You could restrict computer time or other privileges; require your teen to remove a profile from a social networking site; or implement monitoring technologies.

Remember to set limits for use of other technologies, too. If your teen goes over the limit on cell phone minutes or text messages, remove phone privileges. You could also review the bill together each month. This way, your teen can explain overages and you can see who she is texting/calling.

Reading up on cell phones, the Internet, and other technologies, will also help you decide on appropriate consequences. Set clear and age-appropriate guidelines. Explain that the rules are to protect your teen’s safety, not to control or to embarrass your teen.

For more information on:

• Monitoring Internet and cell phone use, visit the Teens & Technology tutorial.
• Publications and Web sites that offer more advice on this topic, visit Get Resources and Digital Monitoring Resources for Parents.
• Web sites you should know about and review with your teen, visit Social Networking Sites.
• Filters and monitoring kits for telephones and computers, visit “Tools to Aid Parents.”