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Local Firebird Counseling therapist, Scott Tonight, recommends meeting children where they're at and taking a soothing approach to speaking with them about harmful images they may be seeing online.
Child psychologist Beth Jackson knows all too well that limiting screen time - and restricting it - are very different.
She says limiting it means setting boundaries.
"My biggest recommendation to parents is no phones or any kind of electronics in the bedroom at night at bedtime."
Sometimes, Jackson says, online offenses, like bullying somebody, sending naked pictures, or sharing personal information, warrant harsher punishment, like taking away your child's phone or tablet.
She recommends parents explain consequences of online misbehavior before they hand kids their first phone.
If you give them just unfettered access, then take it away, it's really difficult. However, it's much easier if you implement time limits - right at the beginning - the first time your child gets that phone or tablet or other type of device.
Jackson hopes parents will look beyond the crisis of the moment and set a personalized punishment that fits the infraction.
If you do take away your child's device, Jackson says to make sure they know when they will get it back and what they can do to earn it back sooner.
Never, she says, shame them.
And, perhaps most importantly, before you take it, consider what YOU stand to lose.
"The number one reason children don't talk to adults or parents when something is happening online is because they're afraid their access is going to be denied."
