Monitor your teen's messages

Know how your child is using his or her phone, as well as the Internet and social media platforms, to interact with others. Sit down with your teen and look through his or her text messages occasionally — or let your teen know that you'll periodically check the phone for content. You might also install a parental control system on your teen's phone to find out how much texting or Web surfing he or she is doing, and set restrictions.