IT SEEMS AS IF every kid has his or her own Facebook page — teens spend two to four hours a day online, research has found—and parents often feel, at best, shut out and, at worst, worried. Here are things parents should consider:
DO talk. It may sound simplistic, but experts say regular talks help. Ask your teenager over dinner what he does online.
DO explain some basics. Young people should never share their passwords, post anything that could damage their reputation or someone else’s (such as anything they wouldn’t want a parent, teacher or admissions officer to see), or accept “friend” requests from people they don’t know. (Note to parents: Kids must be at least 13 to create a Facebook profile.)
DON’T be judgmental. Be open-minded and don’t criticize.
DON’T be a “friend.” It can be more productive to talk to your teen instead of trying to “friend” him or her.
DO learn Internet lingo. Web-speak is full of acronyms parents can learn by visiting websites such as commonsensemedia.org.
POWERED BY USA WEEKEND Magazine & more than 
