What’s OK, what’s not OK
Tuesday, July 26th, 2005I found this article via Capital Hacks via Jordan Rule’s del.icio.us links via Economist’sView which led me to an article on the Christian Science Monitor on July 20, 2005. Whew!
Laura Matthews is a freelance writer and editor and single mom of two. Her article, “Kids and the Internet - it’s a good thing” is refreshing!
Laura Matthews is aware of the dangers of the Internet for youngsters but says…..
“Yet, from what I’ve seen, the educational benefits
of online access are worth it. Yes, parents have to be vigilant. But
the opportunities for communication and self-expression the Internet
provides are bringing benefits to everyone - especially children.”
Hear,
hear! Yes, it is definitely worth the risk. That doesn’t mean we
won’t be vigilant. Laura Matthews points out how computer use doesn’t
have to be isolating. Their computer sits in the family TV room. They
interact together on many things but the mom has an eye and an ear on
what’s going on.
Her daughter discovered blogs when she was 16. The author says…….
“After a lot of negotiating, she was allowed to start her blog on www.xanga.com
Her “xanga” had to be accessible by me. She couldn’t post her real
name, photos of herself, or her location, and I encouraged her to warn
her friends not to either. But in keeping an eye on her xanga, I also
had access to her friends’ xangas. Surprise - this opened me up to a
whole new world of insight into today’s teenager. These kids can write.”
These kids can
write. That’s what we want to hear. Also, note how this parent is
gaining a lot of insight into the teenage world. She is taking an
active part in teaching her daughter responsible use. That insight can
be so useful for both parents and educators. The author continues
with….
“To keep a blog going, you have to have the
discipline to write daily. This puts today’s young bloggers on the fast
track to future Pulitzers. To keep your friends coming back, you have
to be interesting, funny, intelligent, relevant. These kids are all
that and more. Once I got past the immature spelling and punctuation
(along with usual teen slang and vulgarity), I was treated to some of
the best poetry I’ve ever read. All of their blogs together are a
veritable anthropological study of high school life. One senior I know
has, in four years, transformed from what seemed like functional
illiteracy - incomplete sentences, poor spelling - into a blossoming
philosopher headed for a major university.”
Instead
of knee-jerk reacting, this mom got past the bad to get to the good and
she sees how transforming the blogging can be. She notes this….
“Sure, their mechanics might be rough at first, but
over time that rights itself. What’s more important is they’ve got
something to say, and the Internet gives them the means to say it.”
Yes,
they have something to say and we must encourage that voice in our
classrooms. Teach responsible use. Have fun while we learn! Allow
choices within parameters set up by all involved.
Now the interesting part. Laura Matthews has set up rules and guidelines for
her family. Check them out in the article. The rules (what’s OK and
what’s not OK) are for up to age 13, age 13 to 16, and over age
16. Now you may or may not agree with every rule. That’s OK. That may
vary but the point is that the parent is involved and guiding her
children.They figured out what works for their family. The value
of the Internet is realized and responsible use is fostered.. This will
be a good article to share with our parents and teachers.
The best quote from the article:
“Don’t be surprised if the rising generation of Internet users turn out
to be the most articulate and best-informed generation in recent
history.”