To some extent, the influence of mobile and virtual technologies on the family might seem like an alien abduction in progress.

Youths are not only at risk from cybercrimes, but risk developing a range of addictive behavioural patterns as a result of online games and online gambling, notes Andrew Francis, youth advocacy officer, who spoke at at the annual Churches Co-operative Credit Union's Parenting Forum under the theme: 'Parenting in a Technologically Aggressive Environment', held in Kingston in May.

Research, he states, has shown that excessive involvement with video games, the Internet and online gambling may intensify in adolescents.

Parents should engage in a number of preventative measures to reduce the possibility that their children might be influenced by individuals and lifestyles alien to their own value systems.

Measures which can be implemented include:

Encouraging them to not share or give out personal information, PIN numbers or phone numbers, etc.

Encouraging them to speak to a trusted adult and report messages from cyber bullies and/or strangers to the relevant authorities.

Encouraging them to save messages received from bullies/strangers. Those messages can be used to take action.

Bullying and unwanted attention through instant messages or chat rooms can be blocked.

Tell them, 'don't open messages from anyone you don't know'.

Tell them, 'do not reply to the person messaging you'.

Parents, Francis states, should also update their communication skills.

"Be technologically savvy. Learn to browse the Internet, know where they are going and find out what's keeping them connected."

Other parental pointers are:

Be open to their feelings and needs.

Do not be afraid of the computer/Internet.

Talk to your child/children about Internet safety and security so they can act responsibility when using the Net.

Help them with time management so more time can be spent doing schoolwork and engaging in other 'real-world' social activities.

According to Francis, parents should not stalk their children online. Instead, respect them and "stay on top of things", he advises.