September 4, 2007 12:35 PM
Navigating the Internet with teens
Last week, I received a review copy of Logged On and Tuned Out: a nontechie's guide to parenting a tech-savvy generation by Vicki Courtney:
This book did not go on my stack of stuff to review because I sat down immediately to read it. This is an excellent resource for parents - and not just those whose kids seem more cyber-savvy than they are. I know a lot, but was reminded to take nothing for granted - I plan to go over a lot of the material in this reader-friendly and helpful book with my still-at-home kids this week.
Where I stand on some things: I think cell phones are a blessing, enabling us to keep in touch with our children no matter where they are, and giving them the security of knowing that their parents are only a phone call away. That said, I recently had text messaging removed from Maddy's cell phone because she was sending/receiving too many. And the whole IM/text messaging thing makes no sense to me at all. I mean, when we were limited to written communication, it was considered a breakthrough to actually be able to TALK to someone. Aren't these forms of communication a novelty based on a step backwards? Or am I just getting old?
In Dirty Dancing at the Prom and Other Challenges Christian Teens Face: How Parents Can Help, I discuss how important it is to have no TVs or computers in bedrooms. It is imperative that computers be out in the open and that parents be aware of what their kids are doing.
My kids use Facebook and I like it a lot. They can pick and choose who has access to their writing and it has been a wonderful way to keep up with friends we left behind in California as well as reinforcing their special interest groups - kids from church, kids from school, kids from theater. Did I tell you Sophia even started a group called "I wish I could be as cool as Jonny" in honor of her 15-year-old brother with Down syndrome? Now going strong at 161 members.
But I was reminded as I read Courtney's book that I can't just assume that my kids will exhibit common sense about their postings. And, lo and behold, right about the time I was reading, one of my college kids received a reprimand from a camp for disabled kids he'd worked at this summer because a parent did not like having a picture of her child with him posted on the Internet. It turned out that he wasn't the one who posted the picture - but it was still a good reminder/lesson to think more carefully about what is posted.
Logged On and Tuned Out will not only bring you up to speed on what your teen is up to in cyberspace, but will help you address the pitfalls. The appendix: Talking Points, Rules, and Safety Contracts makes applying what you've learned a cinch.
Posted in Teens and Tweens | Permalink
Comments
Im requesting this at my Library! I'd also like to request your books at my library. How will my library get your books? Do they contact you directly?
Posted by: Shannon Best | September 5, 2007 9:34 AM
I am a 26-year-old recent convert to text messaging. My husband got me a "convergence device" - palm pilot meets phone - with a pull-out mini keyboard, and it's so much easier now to type text messages. They're really convenient for situations like last night, when we got separated at a loud concert and a phone call wasn't possible...we found each other by texting.
And we use IM during the day with each other. We both use GoogleTalk, which is great because it archives your chats in your gmail account, making them searchable. That's how I can keep him updated on our day without interrupting him at work... "I played that song you wrote for Katherine, and she clapped!" "I'm heading out to Wal-Mart; do you need anything?" "Check out this news story when you get a chance" etc. It's quicker and easier than email.
So I think that text messages and IMing can have a useful place in communication.
Posted by: Becky Miller | September 5, 2007 9:56 AM
