Parents+and+Social+Media

The group members (up to six of you) are listed below: Renee Chen Mark Wiser


 * PARENTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA** (asynchronously, each of you, when you have time, EDIT this page and put in the name of the subsection you want to add here. At the end there will be one sub-section written by each of the team members. You do not have to put your names on your section. We will be able to explain how we know who did which section later in the feedback. For grading be sure to review the rubric (see SIDEBAR).)

Why social media parenting plays an important role?

Parents are often misled by the concept of "socializing" on the web, thus, shutting their kids out of it completely. In today's digital world, if parents want to build a strong connection with their children's online life, it requires that the parents take an active role and do their homework to teach their children about "digital citizenship". Parents need to take charge and engage in their own online experience, and turn it into an educational opportunity. Parents worry about the safety and privacy of social media, such as Facebook, Myspace, etc., which is why parental guidance is vital. Parents are the gatekeeper, "participating" not "spying" on their children's online interaction. Keeping in the loop with social media is important in raising the digital generation.

- "Technology is changing the landscape, the demands, and the context for [children's] educational experiences," said Blaney. "Again, without a real understanding and appreciation for how technology is being used and the fundamental impact that it has on their child's future, parents run the risk of being a hindrance in their teen's education." (Social Media Parenting: Raising the Digital Generation). http://mashable.com/2010/05/13/parenting-social-media/

Parent role in internet safety.

The school I counsel at in China has a 1:1 laptop program. While there are many advantages, this is also the area of greatest concern to our parents. They realize they have a huge responsibility in teaching and monitoring their children in the appropriate use of a computer, but often they don't know how, what to teach, and the students usually have greater technological expertise than the parents. Here are some considerations in deciding how parents can provide guidance without being overly intrusive. First, be sure your children remain anonymous on line. That means a user name that is not their real name, and no identifying information such as address or social security number. Children should know to tell an adult if anyone or anything they see makes them uncomfortable. Parents can report these incidents to the CyberTipline www.cybertipline.org. Teach children that nothing is temporary on line. The test is that if they are comfortable with their grandmother seeing the post it is probably OK. If not, keep it private. Take a breather if you are angry. Don't post in haste. Avoid plagerism. It's easy to do and just as easy to discover. Finally, teach them that their online identity and reputation is shaped slowly over time just as their real time identities. Take care of them just as they would their real world reputations.

"With all the problems you can face online, is it worth it? For most people, the answer is definitely yes. You just need to know where the pitfalls are, use some common sense and caution, and you'll be in control." [|Steven Dowshen, MD] September 2009, (TeensHealth - Internet Safety). http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/internet_safety.html#