Tip: Take an Internet course

‘Generation wired’ speaks another language. If MySpace, IM’ing and POS mean nothing to you, it’s time to get connected. Without the lingo, you’re looking at a looming generation gap. Kids are getting tech-savvy at an ever younger age. Many require access to the internet to complete homework and assignments.

Simply saying no isn’t going to work, and it’s hard to set boundaries if you’re operating out of ignorance. Take the time to educate yourself and you stand a much better chance of finding common ground. Just so you know, MySpace is an online community, IM stands for instant messaging and POS is ‘parents over shoulder’. Kids need guidance, you need knowledge. Start small, get savvy.

To find an internet course, visit www.education.gov.au and click on the link for the adult/community education page.

Photography: Getty Images.