How to Be a Better Tech Parent: Text Your Kids From Within the Same House

When I set out to write an article about how parents can set guidelines for what kinds of technology their children use– including when, where, and at what age– I expected some pretty alarmist responses. Even earlier this year, when I wrote about how tech can change a household dynamic, the experts warned that living on Facebook and MySpace is making kids more distant, and that a culture of constant texting is stunting their social (and grammar) skills. This time around, though, the parenting bloggers and psychologists I spoke to had a more progressive take. Dr. Larry Rosen, for instance, says parents should bite the bullet and communicate with their children using the kids’ technology, even if that means texting your teen from within the same house. He also suggested that a kid should get a cell phone when he or she is the only one left on the block without one, as it’s going to have an impact on their social life. Meanwhile, blogger Beth Blecherman from Techmamas recommends BCCing yourself on your children’s e-mails– at least in the beginning. Obviously, the parents and experts I spoke to don’t agree, and I’m sure you don’t either. So, sound off in the comments: what rules did you set with your kids? How do you make sure their computer use, texting, and social networking don’t get out of control? Better yet, how do you know when your kids are using technology too much?