Try Kids and Media’s points of conversation on safe use of digital media, perfectly suitable for a conversation between parents and their child or teenager.

The following points of conversation deals with dilemmas and issues that are relevant for kids and teenagers. We recommend that you sit with your child or teenager, choose the questions you want to talk about and have an open-hearted and constructive conversation.

Five questions for parents with kids under the age of 10:

What to do if…

• …a friend asks for your password to a website?
• …a website pops up with pictures, videos or other content that is nasty or makes you feel uncomfortable?
• …if someone you encounter online asks for personal information, such as your name, address or phone number?
• …you are visiting friends, and they suggest that you play a game rated higher than your age?
• …you are visiting friends, and they suggest that you watch a movie rated higher than your age?

Ten questions for parents with kids between the ages of ten and 13:

What to do if…

• …a friend asks for your password to a website?
• …a website pops up with pictures, videos or other content that is nasty or makes you feel uncomfortable?
• …if someone you encounter online asks for personal information, such as your name, address or phone number?
• … if someone you don’t know wants to be your friend on services such as MSN?
• …you are visiting friends, and they suggest that you play a game or watch a movie rated higher than your age?
• …if a person you have met online offers you a gift?
• …if a person you have met on the Internet wants to meet you in real life?
• …if you discover pictures of you that have been published without your permission?
• …if you receive an SMS or MMS with rumors about or pictures of friends or acquaintances?
• …if you are harassed or bullied online via your cell phone?

Ten question for parents with teenagers:

What to do if…

• …a friend asks for your password to a website?
• …if someone you encounter online asks for personal information, such as your name, address or phone number?
• …you are visiting friends, and they suggest that you play a game rated 18?
• …you are visiting friends, and they suggest that you watch a movie suitable only for adults?
• …if a person you have met online offers you a gift?
• …if a person you have met on the Internet wants to meet you in real life?
• …if someone asks to see pictures of you through a cell phone or a web cam?
• …if you discover pictures of you that have been published without your permission?
• …if you receive an SMS or MMS with rumors about or pictures of friends or acquaintances?
• …if you are harassed or bullied online or via your cell phone?

Related articles in kidsandmedia.org:

 Tips for parents on safe net use

Age-based guidelines for children's Internet use

Teach kids online security basics

Protect your private life on the Internet

Advice on children and cell phones

What to do if your child is being bullied

Video games parents should know about