Safety net essential

My daughter doesn't know everyone she talks to on Facebook. How do I monitor her without invading her privacy?

SHRINK RAP

TEENAGERS need privacy and the space to exercise their autonomy, but social media has aspects that pose a danger to those who are open, curious and naive to the wiles of manipulative predators.

You need to have your daughter's trust. You'll win this if you affirm and demonstrate that you respect her need for privacy and personal space.

It may be helpful to share articles about victims of Internet predators.

Talk about the safeguards that need to be enforced to avoid falling prey to abuse.

If you build enough trust your daughter may ''friend" you on Facebook and the openness will provide reassurance. Trust also provides a safeguard - if she does encounter a problem she should feel comfortable to bring the dilemma to you. - Leonard Carr

SUPER NANNY

As parents we have rights over and responsibilities to our children. It is imperative that when we let our children have certain electronic equipment, we understand we are introducing them to a world over which we have limited control.

But we can share our values and beliefs. It's important to use our phones and tablets responsibly so we can show by example what role the phone can play. If we spend hours of family time attached to our phones, tablets and computers our children will do the same.

In terms of chatlines and social sites, it is important your child understands it is still a privilege to have a phone, not a right. You could write a contract with your teen and sign it so she has a clear understanding of what the phone can and can't be used for. If necessary, check messages and websites visited. This is not nosey, it's about safety.

Children should know they can call on their parents if they find themselves in an unsafe or uncomfortable situation. - Stephanie Dawson-Cosser