Parents

Parent Resources

Lynn has a heart for helping parents navigate the world of media and technology with their teens. She speaks at churches, presents at workshops, and publishes articles for the purpose of enhancing communication between parents and children around the issue of media.

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT LYNN’S WORKSHOPS:

“I found the presentation to be a great mix of practical information, interaction, and creative use of the media to illustrate the effect of media.”-Attendee in PA

In addition to speaking at workshops, churches, and community centers, she offers conferences and personal consultation for parents who would like to enhance their abililty to communicate with their teens on this important issue.

The below material is provided for informational purposes only and does not necessarily imply any endorsement by Lynn Rebuck. Please use your own discretion as to what products and services are most appropriate for your family.

WANT TO STAY INFORMED? Technology is constantly changing! Sign up for Lynn’s newsletter to keep current on what kids are doing and what can help you as a parent!

Text messaging de-texter app and texting glossary: http://www.dtxtrapp.com

http://www.mymobilewatchdog.com/default.shtml

Family Tracker

Google Safe Search and YouTube Safety Mode http://www.google.com/familysafety/ Easy to set up thanks to tutorials

http://ikeepsafe.org/PRC/ Pros: Good online guidlines Con: Slightly outdated; doesn’t address newer technologies

Verizon Content Filtering http://support.vzw.com/clc/faqs/Features%20and%20Optional%20Services/content_filtering.html#item4

Tools for Protecting kids on the Internet: FamilyShield and OpenDNS Basic Pros: Free and Recommended by PC World. FamilyShield quickest and easiest way to protect your kids from adult content. Basic requires more set-up but is not difficult. Can be installed on a router.

http://www.mymobilewatchdog.com/default.shtml

Family Tracker

Monitoring and Accountability: http://www.covenanteyes.com/ Offers solutions for parents to monitor their kids computer use and for Parents who are struggling themselves with viewing inappropriate online content.

TV Worth Watching: I do recommend ABC’s “The Middle.” Pros: You can watch it as a family!!! A comedy that respects the American family, shows imperfect parents trying their best to deal with the challenges of raising kids today, and features parents who disagree, act as a team, and show kindness towards each other. It is a rare gem on television today. A talented cast (Patrician Heaton, Neil Flynn, and some great kids), stellar scripts, and a comedy with situations that parents can relate to–and discuss–with their kids like the Internet, movie ratings, and texting.-Lynn Rebuck, www.LynnRebuck.com

“The Middle¨is the only network sitcom to appear on the Parent Television Council “Picks of the Week” for April 7-14 Cons: Occasional language Clips online; http://abc.go.com/shows/the-middle; Season 1 Available on DVD

Weekly Television Info for Parents: http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/familyguide/weekly.asp Pros: An Easy-to-use color-coded guide for what’s worth watching. Updated weekly.

Texting and Driving: WATCH THIS VIDEO, then watch it with your kids; discuss this life and death issue! Have them contract with you. Check their phones for periods of texting when you know they were driving. Consequences: take away privileges (texting, driving, or both!)

“Teen drivers whose parents set and enforced rules were more likely to wear seat belts and less likely to speed, get in crashes, drink and drive, or use cell phones while driving.” —–Pediatrics September 2010.

Dish Network www.dishnetwork.com/SupportSection/parentallocks

Direct TV www.directv.com/parentalcontrols

Comcast Cable www.comcast.com/Corporate/Customers/ParentalControls.html

Blue Ridge Cable www.brctv.com/support/parental-control ¨

VIDEO GAMES

Nintendo (Wii or DSi): www.nintendo.com/corp/parents.jsp

Sony (PS3 or PSP): http://us.playstation.com/support/parents /

http://support.xbox.com/en-us/pages/xbox-live/how-to/parental-control.aspx

INTERNET

Content Reporting www.x3watch.com

Content Blocking www.mypornblocker.com

Information & Resources www.xxxchurch.com