Monitoring your teen in today's world of technology

PHOENIX - With the world and all it's dangers streaming into your house on a daily basis via the internet, it's important to monitor what your kids are viewing. Paul Penzone is the Director of Prevention Programs with NotMYkid.org . He is also a retired sergeant with the Phoenix Police Department . We sat down with Paul to get some insight into the world of a teen today and what we need to do to keep them safe.

SF: How has technology affected the ability to raise our children?
Paul Penzone: The level of exposure by outside influences has increased dramatically. Unfortunately, many of these influences are passing messages that undermine our core values and morals. The time a parent interacts with their child is often limited, where conversely the time they are influenced by sources such as cable t.v., social networks, the music and entertainment industry and other mediums is considerable.

SF: Is it realistic to think that parents can effectively monitor their children's social behaviors on line?
Paul Penzone: It is realistic, but must come with realistic expectations. The success of this effort is based on your ability to build an open and honest line of communication with your child. You must establish the foundation early on, then establish a practice of oversight that reflects your commitment. It's not easy, and it will require utilizing some software or other tools, but it serves the best interest of your children. You may not know every detail of their life online, but you will recognize red flags much sooner.

SF: What are the detrimental aspects of social network sites i.e. face book?
Paul Penzone: Facebook and other social site are great tools for socializing or promoting business, but this comes with many detriments. The vulnerability to predators, bullies, stalkers, and criminals is enhanced by using social networks. If you are not versed in the steps to protect your information and limit it to a select group then you will be exposing yourself to those threats. On average, a Facebook subscriber has about 130 "friends". Each of these friends has some level of exposure to your personal information, social habits, areas of interest, and behavioral patterns. Additionally, there is software that can assist a user in identifying the exact location a photo was taken once it is posted online. The more this information is shared the higher the level of vulnerability, and once it's online it is out of your control.

SF: How has the culture of substance abuse changed for this current generation?
Paul Penzone: There are those illicit drugs that we every generation is familiar with such as Marijuana, Cocaine and, Heroin . We work hard to educate our children on the consequences attached to the use of these drugs. In addition to this problem we constantly see the development of designer drugs as often as we see new reality shows. Information on how to/where to/ and why to is far more accessible to our children. It is unrealistic to think the government can stay ahead of all the latest drug trends and hope the legal implications will keep our kids safe. Today's generation faces much tougher challenges then our generation. We have to work much harder to educate our kids as to why any un prescribed drug that impairs them physically, psychologically or emotionally is unhealthy. Focus on healthy decisions and that will lead to a healthy generation.

SF: Why should drug testing be considered and would it undermined the trust foundation between a parent and a child?
Paul Penzone: Drug testing can be an intimidating tool when first introducing it to your child. First, know that the sooner you start the better. If you begin this practice, and stay committed, at an early age it will become part of the culture for your kid. They will know that it is part of their lifestyle and intended to keep them safe. You must be willing to sit down and discuss why you believe in this tool and that they should view it as a good thing. They get a built in excuse whenever confronted with peer pressure, and it is a definitive level of protection. This is never about trust, it's about verifying to ensure their health. If our child fails in an academic based test we have the luxury of sending them to a tutor and working to improve the grade. If our child fails a drug test the implications are far more severe. On average, a child hides drug use from their parents for 2 years. If your child makes a poor decision related to drug experimentation it is far better to find out in two weeks then two years. Prevention first, early intervention second and your child has a better opportunity to avoid these devastating pitfalls.