Are+our+kids+addicted+to+technology?

=Are our kids addicted to technology?=

Salon, May 23rd, 2011 BY __ [|RAHUL PARIKH] __ (Doctor)

//Related:// Our overblown paranoia about teens and the Internet, Salon May 16th, 2011

It's one of parents' biggest concerns, but studies show we have less to worry about, and more to be thankful for
"I want to share some findings that challenge the notion that the Web has a negative impact on kids. Indeed, the Web just may be the place kids learn to express themselves and learn in the most innovative ways."

Living and Learning with New Media -breaks down popular stereotypes that kids simply waste time online. The study described levels of engagement which have the potential to benefit young people as they communicate with each other and learn about the world.

on the Web, kids are learning from each other (through comments from one another about their YouTube video, perhaps) rather than in a traditional didactic setting where an adult grades and judges everything they do. It's not that you don't need the later, but peer-to-peer learning seems to have its own unique set of benefits.

I've been thinking about what I'm going to tell parents and their kids about the Internet. It was easy to say things like "keep their use limited to two hours a day," or "co-view whatever they're doing." I don't really think that's the right approach anymore:

KIDS 1. Don't talk to strangers. 2. Use the Golden Rule: The Internet is like any physical community, and rules of conduct apply. 3. Think before you click

PARENTS 1. Get a Facebook account. If you don't try it, then you'll never really have a feel for how social media works, which makes it hard to discuss and communicate with your kid about the risks and benefits. 2. Learn about Facebook privacy settings 3. Find out where your kid is going online, and who they are hanging out with 4. If your kid is at-risk or has emotional problems offline, then beware of what they're doing and how they're feeling online.