Teens and screens get a bad rap. Too much screen time has negative consequences, and often times teens get into trouble by misusing their time online. But what if we could turn that around? Instead of banning all screen time this summer encourage your teen to make good use of their time.

NetSmartz is a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that helps educate children and teens about smart online activity. Parents can go here to learn more about keeping kids safe online. They also have a site dedicated to teens, where teens can play games, watch videos and look at comics dedicated to making better online choices.

And, if you think your teen can take their knowledge to the next level they can go here and download a kit to help teach their peers about online safety.

By involving teens in the conversation about online safety we give them the opportunity to be leaders among their peers and create a safer future for their entire generation.

If you have a teen or young adult struggling with appropriate screen usage call Tamara Ancona, MA, LPC, at (678) 297-0708 for an evaluation, and to discuss potential solutions.