How much ‘you’ on YouTube?

Question: My 10-year-old son and his friends like to make short movies using the video camera. They want to post the video on YouTube. Should I allow it?

Answer: The YouTube phenomenon allows anyone with a camera to upload digital video snippets onto the Internet for all to see.

While YouTube’s policy forbids video uploads that contain pornography or gratuitous violence, video is not monitored or screened. YouTube relies on users of the site to flag any video they find offensive, and YouTube will review it to see if it goes against their policies.

YouTube can offer creative teens an outlet for sharing their creations, but  your child’s privacy and the film’s appropriateness are most important. Check out these general guidelines before posting videos.

Set an age requirement. Although there is no age requirement for YouTube users, YouTube is a social network of sorts — a place folks can post content and give feedback. For this reason, kids should be least 13 before they participate on their own.

Review privacy standards. Help teens realize that making fun of others, sending a belittling video message to others or mimicking stereotypes are not appropriate. Even kids who are savvy about protecting their private information may not realize that identifying background items in video footage of their home, neighborhood, bedroom, or school can compromise their safety.

Require permission. Teens should ask permission from parents before uploading video when they first begin. This gives parents a chance to screen the video and have conversations about content boundaries. If other kids are in the video, all parents should give consent before the video is posted.

Need to delete a video? If your child has uploaded a video without your permission and you want to delete it, simply log into the account, click the My Account link, then the Remove Video button. Choose from the list of videos — a prompt will ask if you’re sure. Click yes, and your video will be removed.

Too young for computer time?

Question: We just got a new laptop and my 4-year-old wants to use it. I know there are great programs for kids, but does she really need to be on the computer at this age?

Answer: Kids today are born with a mouse in their hand, and it is not uncommon to see toddlers identifying letters and numbers, as well as learning to move the mouse on the computer.

A computer is certainly not the only way for a child to learn — there are plenty of traditional opportunities for your child to explore read, do math, and identify colors.

Computers are a part of our everyday lives, much like a television or a stove. While we may put limits on the number of hours or types of programming children watch or forbid them to use the stove, teaching children about these everyday appliances is an important part of preparing them to use technology in a responsible way.

Rather than denying your child any exposure to the computer, setting firm boundaries, supervising limited use, and modeling good behavior yourself will be the best way to introduce your child to computers and begin to cultivate healthy tech habits.

Cure curiosity. Your child will be curious, so let them take a look. Explain that the computer is a tool for learning and communicating. Show them how they can see messages from Grandma or learn about another part of the world. Let them carefully push the keys or move the mouse under supervision. Giving them a supervised look will help cure their curiosity.

Limit time. Families with new computers often become obsessed with the computer when the online world opens up. A computer should not disrupt regular family routines or cause parents to become too distracted. Try to limit the time you spend on the computer while you are with your child.

Avoid accidents. Keep the laptop closed and put in a safe place — out of sight and out of reach of children if possible.

Finally, it is perfectly fine to make the laptop off limits to children until you decide there is a value in allowing them to use it. School years will provide ample opportunity for children to explore computers and learn online.

Sharon Cindrich Miller is the author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up with Your Tech-Savvy Kids.

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