Odds or Ends

When does a teenager's use of computers and the internet stop being fun, and start being cause for concern?

It's a good idea to check out what he is doing, so ask him. It's just possible that it is something highly educational!...

Unfortunately, there is a lot of unsuitable material on the Internet. If you don't want your teen learning how to make a bomb or viewing pornography, do not allow totally unsupervised access to the Internet. Buy software to screen offensive material and make sure he understands basic rules for chat rooms.

With teenagers, it's often a case of taking advantage of the occasions when you are all together. Between school and peer group, there is often little room left for the family. Make room; try to make sure that you eat together as a family. Don't let him rush his food in silence; encourage him to chat.

With teenagers, it's often a case of taking advantage of the occasions when you are all together. Between school and peer group, there is often little room left for the family. Make room; try to make sure that you eat together as a family. Don't let him rush his food in silence; encourage him to chat.