Maine’s top lawyer on Friday shared suggested rules for the holiday season that lessen the likelihood of glad tidings gone awry.

Attorney General Janet T. Mills released a statement aimed at ensuring that “the brightly wrapped gifts being exchanged this holiday season contain no unwanted surprises and to remind families to set ground rules for the proper and safe enjoyment of digital devices year-round.”

Parents should understand how best to guard their children from aspects of Internet use that are inappropriate for certain age groups, Mills wrote.

“Ask yourself if your child should have 24/7 access to the Internet and how you can establish clear, consistent rules for the use of these devices in your home,” she wrote.

If children are communicating over the Internet through social media, they should learn “how quickly ‘private’ information and photos can become public. Remind them that the ‘golden rule’ also applies to their online behavior — they need to treat others with respect online.”

The Entertainment Software Rating Board, the nonprofit organization that assigns age and content ratings for video games and mobile apps, offers a list of helpful tips for parents who want to ensure they make the right choices for their families, from fulfilling their kids’ wish lists to ensuring their playing time is appropriately managed and safe, Mills wrote.

These websites can help parents and children learn about the best games and apps for them and how to learn about smart online behaviors:

* OnGuardOnline.gov offers tips to parents and has information for other adults as well.

* ESRB.org assigns age and content ratings for games and mobile apps and has information and tips to help parents strike the right balance for kids between time spent with the game or app and time spent with the family, school work, extracurricular activities and other interests.

* CommonSenseMedia.org reviews apps beyond the ESRB ratings to help you determine if the app is right for your child.

* NetSmartzKids.org helps to educate your child about what information about themselves or their families can be shared on social media and how to prevent cyberbullying.

* SafeSurfingKids.com has a model ‘contract’ so that parents and kids know the rules governing their device use and online behavior ahead of time.

* The American Academy of Pediatrics has established guidelines for appropriate limits on screen time and access to media for children. Parents should be mindful of how much of their child’s time is spent looking a screen.

“People should also consider the safety and age-appropriateness of traditional gift items for children,” Mills said. “Most toys have a recommended age on the package because it may contain small parts that pose a choking danger to a small child who puts items in their mouths. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a website with recalled children’s products – everything from cribs and car seats to pajamas and toys. It pays to stay apprised of items that may have high lead levels or other hidden dangers.”

Advice offered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

* Choose age-appropriate toys by reading the age label on the toy. For children younger than 3, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking. In particular avoid deflated or broken balloons, small parts or small balls.

* Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and they should be sized to fit. Avoid riding a scooter on a street or roadway with other motor vehicles.

* Children’s magnetic toys are covered by a strong safety standard that prevents magnets from being swallowed. High-powered magnet sets, which are covered by a mandatory standard, also have small magnets that are dangerous and should be kept away from children. Whether marketed for children or adults, building and play sets with small magnets should also be kept away from small children.

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