Do you know what your kids are doing online?
Scripps station KTNV in Las Vegas spoke to a local expert who says that kids need online supervision.
Sarah Timpa is an average teenager. Social media is her primary means of communication. But, she does have one complaint — she says she needs a little bit of privacy.
Her mom, Ronna, isn't afraid to admit that she tracks her daughter's every move. She deletes photos that friends send to her daughter and even blocks people.
Timpa uses a program called TeenSafe. It allows her to monitor text messages, phone calls, social media, and even track her daughter's location using her phone.
TeenSafe is not the only option though. There is also an app called Bark. In addition to doing pretty much the same things as TeenSafe, it also analyzes memes, GIFS and video. The app also sends alerts about possible dangers and sends suggestions on how to talk to teens.
Sasha Decania, a therapist with Destinations For Teens, says parents need to be realistic and realize that most kids are good kids but sometimes make poor choices.
Decania says parents should monitor their child's friends on social media and make sure their child knows the people he or she are communicating with. She also says that parents should not be concerned about giving a child total privacy.
Timpa says she also tries to be a role model for her child and wants her child to understand that anything put on social media can follow a person for life.
There are fees for TeenSafe and Bark but there are some free apps. But, you will usually have to pay for the best monitoring options.
No matter what you decide, it is a good idea to have your child's passwords.
