As you shop for electronic items on your teen's holiday wish list,TheAntiDrug.com would like to encourage and remind you to establish rules about use of these devices from the very beginning. Beyond that, parents need to become familiar with these devices - such as cell phones and computers - and learn how to use them, including how to text message and instant message your teen, for example.

Here is a Top 10 checklist of ways you can set limits and monitor your teen's technology use:

Limit your teen's time spent online and have her "check in" her cell phone with you before heading to bed.

Put computers in a common area of the house so you can more easily monitor use.
Read more:
http://www.theantidrug.com/E-Monitoring/need-extra-help.asp

Read the instructions. Take a few minutes to learn how the item can be used. Can the ringer be silenced? Can the device be locked so parents can't access the data?

Ask an expert. If shopping in-store, parents have a valuable resource at their disposal - the salesperson - who can teach you how to use and monitor the technology before you buy it.
Read more:
http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_clear_rules.asp

Be clear and consistent about what is off limits - including certain Web sites, chat rooms, games, blogs, or certain music downloads - and how to handle information that promotes sex and drugs.
Read more:
http://www.theantidrug.com/E-Monitoring/credible-incredible.asp; http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_setting_rules.asp
http:/www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_enforcing_rules.asp

Discuss consequences for breaking the rules.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_enforcing_rules.asp

Visit TheAntiDrug.com's "Teens & Technology" section to better understand the connection between teens, technology, and drug use.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/E-Monitoring/overview.asp

Take TheAntiDrug.com's online quiz to test your tech-savviness.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/E-Monitoring/quiz.asp

Learn some of the "net" lingo that teens use.
Read more: http://www.theantidrug.com/E-Monitoring/internet-lingo.asp

Read past Parenting Tips Newsletters on the topic of Teens & Technology. Encourage other parents to subscribe to the Parenting Tips e-Newsletter.
http://www.theantidrug.com/news/archive.aspx?year=2006;
http://www.theantidrug.com/newsletter
.asp?email=Enter+an+email+address

For more information about Teens & Technology and how to discuss tough subjects, such as drug use, with your teens, visit TheAntiDrug.com: http://www.theantidrug.com/E-Monitoring/index.asp