From the Editors of Common Sense Media

May 10, 2007

1. Set limits on how much media. This stuff gets expensive fast. A few bucks here, a few bucks there.

2. Set limits on the type of media. If you do

let your kids download, have rules about what's okay and what isn't.

3. If you don't want young kids downloading, set up purchases with a password. That way you can download what your kids want but they won't have unrestricted access. And that iTunes allowance feature? If you let your kids use it, have rules about what they can and can't purchase.

4. Spot check your kids' downloads on their MP3 player or computer. Under the "view" section of your online store, you can click the "date added" box to instantly check for any new media. If the content is explicit, you'll know right away because it says so on the display. Look at your kids' music libraries so you can spot songs you might not be keen on. And check out the TV shows they're carrying around or the movies they downloaded.

For the full article and more tips on managing media, please visit: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/parent_tips/commonsense_view/index.php?id=232 .