Top Guidelines for the Use of the Internet by Teenagers

Teenagers should spend only a limited amount of time on their computers. A computer cannot be a substitute for a friend or family member.

Teenagers should spend time outdoors in games and social interaction with friends and family. They should not remain cooped up in their home with laptops during holidays.

Teenagers should use the internet mostly for information and partly for recreation. They should make ethical use of the information on the web.

Teenagers should have a frank discussion with their parents about various aspects of Internet usage, such as the amount of time spent daily on the net, timings, and purpose.

Teenagers should agree to parental supervision and frequent checks of what they have been surfing or doing on the net.

Teenagers should promise not to visit sites that are not suitable for them. They should avoid sites that are indecent and which contain adult content.

The password should NEVER be revealed to anyone, except to parents. They should not be shared even with friends.

Personal details such as name, address, school or college, telephone number etc. should NEVER be disclosed to strangers on networking sites.

Teenagers should avoid meeting online acquaintances except with parental approval. If parental approval is obtained, they should fix the meeting at a public place and also ensure that a parent is present.

Teenagers should immediately inform parents if anything inappropriate or odd takes place while interacting with others on social networks.

Email from unknown persons should not be opened as they may contain spam (irrelevant and unsolicited messages, often for the purpose of advertising) or malware. The malware may disable the computer totally or steal sensitive personal data. Antivirus software should be installed. Files should be downloaded only from safe sites.

Credit cards of parents should not be used without prior permission to buy goods online. Goods should be bought only from reliable sites.

Teenagers should observe 'netiquette' i.e. net etiquette. They should be polite and should avoid posting mean or nasty comments. They should never threaten or intimidate anyone on the net. Such behavior, termed cyber-bullying, is offensive and may even be deemed a criminal act. There are several instances of children who have been driven to suicide because of their inability to deal with cyberbullying.

Laptops should be used carefully. When their life is over, they should be handed over to a place for recycling e-waste.

Be extremely careful about meeting someone in person, never meet anyone in person that you meet online. That said, many teens do make good friends online. You just have to be super cautious and make sure other people you know and trust also know this "new" online person.

Even if your parents don't know much about the internet, tell them what types of web sites you go to visit. They will probably be interested and impressed with your internet skills. They may also help you avoid potential problems if a web site or new "friend" looks sketchy.

Modern Technological Devices and Impact on Youth

Applications of modern technology are countless. They include devices and gadgets like the telephone, TV, camera, video cassette recorder, microwave oven, computer, internet, cell phone, iPod, and the iPad. Once we get used to the latest "marvel" of technology, it becomes almost impossible to think of life without it. This is especially true for youngsters, who are quick to adapt to new technologies.

Two modern technological inventions that have revolutionized the lives of the young generation are, undoubtedly, the internet and the mobile phone. The two devices have merged and, today, it is the rule, rather than the exception, to have a cell phone with internet connectivity. And, if the phone has a big screen, it ceases to be a humble instrument of communication and becomes a 'phablet' - a mini-computer or table +phone! Social networking sites are also getting increasingly popular among youth.

It is fascinating to observe how these inventions have radically altered, both for the better and the worse, the lives of teenagers over the years. Like it or not, technology is here to stay and plays an increasingly integral role in every activity of Generation Y (Those born in the 1990s and later). It is necessary, therefore, to guide the youth in the judicious and ethical use of technology.