Joe Rich, MSW, RSW: Parenting in the Age of Technology:

Be aware of your kid's habits and addictions
This is where being an expert on your own children and family is helpful.  Constant use of technology has a close link to addictive behaviours (checking, phoning, texting, repetitive behaviours, etc.) and is also a part of the world of addictions (dial a dealer, on line gambling, sexual addictions, etc.).  Knowing your child, their history and keeping on top of their usage is important.  Different children (and adults) require different limits and have different abilities to self-regulate their own behaviours.

Understand the pros and cons of technology
In spite of all the headaches, technology has a number of positives including support, learning, assistive devise, easy access to social relationships for introverts, emoticons for boys to be more emotionally expressive, additional way to communicate, etc.  Try and see this in the parenting and ascertain which aspects of technology are helpful to you and your family.
 
Kids should be aware of parental control
Past issues of privacy are over until children are adults.  Children should be made aware of this. There is no such thing as “anonymity” on line (just feels like it) and there is no such thing as privacy in the use of technology in the family.  Parents need to be informed and up to date on children’s activities so “if you don’t want your parents to know about it, find it, etc.” then don’t do it.  Eventually, everything is found out, traceable, etc.  In some families computer programs are in place to track activities, children need to know this and be aware. If it is time to check up, make sure you invite them to participate.  If you “find it by mistake” make sure they know.  Then, back to the role of teacher.  What have we learned?  How will we move forward?  Start with social media like Facebook and make sure they understand your ability to view is not to be limited.  Check in regularly with them and with what they are up to, good and not so good, as time goes on.