I recently came across this book in our new section of our bookstore and I am familiar with Jim Burns and his writings on youth ministry. As I started reading I realized how well this book is written for parents dealing with teens.
Jim Burns is president of HomeWord which is a center for educating, equipping, and encouraging parents and teens to build God-honoring families.
One chapter I really appreciated was ch. 4, Creating a Media-Safe Home. Due to our culture and the influx of technology it is very important for parents to protect and help their children understand the dangers as well as the advantages of technology.
Here are a few points of application that he gives to have that safe home:
- Follow the web site rules and safety tips, and set privacy settings. With this also make sure your teen sets their page to private so only their friends can view their pages.
- Keep a computer with online access out of their bedroom. If they do have one you are only asking for trouble.
- Do not allow younger teens to add new online friends without your permission.
- Do not allow your teens to have multiple email accounts and user accounts.
- Have your children tell you and agree to tell you when they receive inappropriate or threatening messages.
- Set clear expectations about cell phone use.
- Follow through with discipline.
For more information visit HomeWord or pick up a copy of Teenology by Jim Burns and you can see these points and more on pages 75-77.
