ABSTRACT
This chapter shares strategies and research to help the people and their teen pilot through digital minefields and opportunities. As parents the people have to break the silence and talk with their teens about healthy relationships and sexual consent, without shame, guilt or judgment. The chapter discusses both sides and offers some research-driven strategies for parents. Some states have teen sexting laws to deal with common issue because the consequences for teens who violate federal law can be severe. Like with sexting, the debate about adolescent mental health and technology use is heated. Teens can create positive and proactive digital identities, or unhappy and toxic ones. Social media use and screen time are often viewed as one monolithic time use. Social media does not cause depression and anxiety. However, teens who are already depressed and anxious may have their moods affected negatively by social media.
