The Talk
Fostering Better Communication
Kids need to be kids, but the Internet can change all that in a click. There was a time when children relied on their parents to learn about the world. Today, your kids can discover just about anything online—on their own. How do you ensure that certain topics stay offline? It’s as easy as starting a conversation.
The Talk - Advice for Parents
Today your kids can discover just about anything online. What they see on the Internet can spark any number of "talks" – big and small.
That’s why Norton Online Family encourages all parents to have "The Talk" with their kids about what they’re doing online, and how to act responsibly while they’re there.
Tips to have "The Talk"
- One question at a time. No need to bombard your kids with questions all at once. "The Talk" is not a one shot deal, but an ongoing conversation. Ask one question at a time, casually. Listen, let them respond and go from there.
- Try the grocery store. A talk at the dinner table may be too formal a setting– you don’t want your kids feeling like you’ve put them on the spot. Choose a non-confrontational setting to chat, say, while you’re shopping for groceries.
- Be open and supportive. Especially for tweens, it is important that you react appropriately and avoid overreacting. Remind your kids often that if they see anything online that makes them uncomfortable, they can come to you to talk.
"The Talk" Conversation Starters
Ask your teen to teach you how to set up your own Facebook page. Let your teen know your friends and work colleagues are all talking about it, and you want in on the action. Remember to ask them to help you make your profile private. They’ll love the fact that they can teach you a thing or two, and might even start asking you about how many friends you have!
If you hear another parent talking about a site their child uses, or even hear something on the news, ask your child if they use that site too. What is it? Are lots of classmates using that site? What about you? If so, ask what your child likes about the site. If not, ask what sites they’d rather be on, and why. By starting off the conversation about you or someone else, your child won’t feel they’re being interrogated.
Need some additional questions? These can help get the conversation going:
- What are your friends doing online? What kind of site/activity is that (e.g., gaming, chatting, social networking)?
- What are the coolest or newest Web sites? Why is this site popular? What do you enjoy most about the site?
- Will you show me your favorite sites? Does this site have privacy settings? Why is this site your favorite?
- Do you know what cyberbullying is? Have you ever heard about or seen mean or embarrassing messages or photos being sent or posted online?
- When you’ve been online, have you ever seen anything weird or that made you feel uncomfortable? Have strangers ever tried to talk to you online? Have you ever clicked on a link that wasn’t what you thought it was?
For families with teens:
- Do you really know everybody on your friends list?
- Do you ever get messages from strangers? How do you handle them?
- Do you know anyone who’s gone to meet someone offline that they’d been talking to online?
- Are people in your group of friends ever mean to each other online or by phone? What do they say? Have they ever been mean to you? Would you tell me if they were?
- Sometimes kids take nude or sexy photos and send them to others. Has that ever happened at your school?
Join us! Take the Pledge
Join Norton Online Family and families across the country and pledge to have “The Talk” with your kids today!
By checking the box, you are promising to have the talk with your children.
Looking for more info now? We have more tips and info for you here: www.norton.com/familyresources. Or, send your questions to Marian Merritt. She’s our Internet Safety Advocate, and a mother of three! Reach her here: marian@norton.com.
