Our kids learn from us -- not from what we say, but from what we do. And good, safe online behavior begins at home. Even if we’re somewhat clueless about our kids’ online and mobile lives, it turns out that there are 10 simple rules we can follow to get great results.

1. Model good behavior. If we’re on our Blackberries or iPhones at dinner, why will our kids listen to us when we tell them to turn theirs off?

2. Pay attention. We have to know where our kids are going online -- and what they're doing there.

3. Impart our values. Cheating, lying, being cruel -- they’re all non-starters. Right and wrong extends to online and mobile life.

4. Establish limits. Phone time, video download time, destinations. There’s really a right time and place for everything.

5. Encourage balance. Get kids involved in offline activities -- especially where there's no cell service.

6. Make kids accountable. If they have a privilege, make sure they earn it.

7. Explain what's at stake. Let kids know that what they do today can be abused by someone tomorrow.

8. Find ways to say "yes." That means we have to do some homework and know the sites they visit, the songs they download, etc. -- and find ways to use technology that lets us say “yes” more often than we say “no.”

9. It's not rocket science.  Learn to text, send a mobile photo, set up a Facebook page, upload a video. Or have your kids show you how. It's impossible to guide what you don't understand. Not only that, but think of all the anxiety you can avoid by knowing how things work. 

10. Lighten up, embrace their world, and enjoy the possibilities together. None of us want digital divides in our relationships with our kids. It's up to us to join the fun and help them seize the potential.

© 2009 Common Sense Media