3. Devise a Game Plan

CEOs of major corporations work hard to craft powerful operational plans, write mission statements, and craft long term goals. On the other hand, the most important organization in our society is often left to chance—The Family. In the busy, messy world of family life we can develop a model for Internet Safety that works.

“Good structures do not draw attention to themselves or to the underlying agenda, and they minimize bossing and coercion. . . Structures provide familiarity, something stuck kids instinctively yearn for. They create good habits... preventing needless conflict.” (Dr. Gordon Neufeld)

David Walsh, founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family, says that the surprise would be if kids did not engage in high-risk behaviors online. In addition, teens and preteens naturally have a distaste for talk of safety on any topic. They think of it as taking away their fun and freedom. Savvy parents understand this and establish structures that not only protect, but pave the way for highly targeted interventions and personalized training.

Once you have determined which risks are associated with your child’s online behavior profile, you can begin to devise a game plan for intervention and education. Here are a few outstanding resources to help you begin.

• View or print the free brochure, Understanding a Child’s Virtual World, by Dr. Linda Young, Senior Staff Psychologist at Seattle University and Family Therapist.
• Call 888-NETS411 (888-638-7411) to talk to an expert or go to www.netsmartz411.org and submit your questions online. NetSmartz411 is a caregiver’s online resource for answering questions about Internet safety, computers, and the Web.
• Parents who choose to monitor online behavior may uncover issues that require professional intervention and counseling. If you need to find a local counselor to help you deal with a family problem, simply enter your zip code for “Find a Therapist” at www.nmha.org.
• DisciplineHelp.com is a database of step-by-step solutions for over 117 misbehaviors. It's like having a team of highly trained professionals at your disposal.
• Love and Logic is a highly recommended source for powerful, practical parenting strategies that take the stress out of discipline. There are plenty of free articles online, but take a look at the inexpensive audio CDs, too.
• In his latest book, The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family, Pat Lencioni prescribes some powerfully simple business principles that parents can quickly put into action to bring about more purpose and clarity to life at home.
• Have you uncovered evidence to suggest a child is contemplating suicide? Call 1-800-273-8255 or go to http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/suicideprevention/concerned.asp for instant help on topics like, “What to do if a friend or relative is suicidal” or “Preventing Suicide” or “Understanding and Helping a Suicidal Person.”
• If your child is showing signs of gaming addiction or (plays for extended periods of time -over 4 hours- almost every day, gets restless or irritable if he/she can’t play, and sacrifices other social activities) go to http://netaddiction.com/resources/online_gaming.htm for help from Dr. Kimberly Young.
• To submit information on missing children or child sexual exploitation, call 1-800-THE-LOST. Go to CommonSense.org. Be sure to view CommonSense Tips, too. The address is www.commonsense.com/internet-safety-guide/index.php

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