The Internet is a valuable resource for your son. It literally gives him the world at his fingertips. The key is to find out how to best use the Internet for your son and to teach him the responsibility in relation to it.

Great Uses for the Internet

The Internet is a great place for your son to learn. He can scout out potential colleges, do research for school papers, and communicate with his teachers and friends.

You can also have your son show you some interesting things on the Internet. Try sitting down with your son. Show him some of the neat things you've found on the Net and tools that you use. Then ask that he show you what he enjoys doing on the Internet as well.

Internet Warnings

While the Internet has a large capacity for good, there is a dark side. Keeping your son safe reaches far beyond teaching him proper ergonomics.

Establish rules for Internet usage and be sure your son knows them and any consequences for disobeying them. Your rules should also include a time limit and what he is allowed and not allowed to do. Install blocking software to prevent him from going to sites that aren't appropriate. Today's parents have a tough time being as computer savvy as their kids, who may be quite adept at bypassing blocking software. Parents still need to supervise their teens' Internet use. Do not allow your son to have a computer in his bedroom or another place where you cannot monitor it.

Talk to your son about the dangers of the Internet. He needs to understand that posting personal information, however innocuous it may seem, is a bad idea. He needs to understand about Internet predators and even just mean-spirited people. In short, your expertise is required for a positive Net experience.