'Growing Up Online'

Runescape. Second Life. Millsberry. Webkins. Skype. MySpace. YouTube. Facebook. Nearly every teen in America is on the Internet every day, socializing with friends and strangers alike, “trying on” identities, and building a virtual profile of themselves–one that many kids insist is a more honest depiction of who they really are than the person they portray at home or in school.

In “Growing Up Online,” FRONTLINE peers inside the world of this cyber-savvy generation through the eyes of teens and their parents, who often find themselves on very opposite sides of a new digital divide. From cyber bullying to instant “Internet fame,” to the specter of online predators, the program investigates the risks, realities and misconceptions of teenage self-expression on the World Wide Web. The program looks at social networking sites which are increasingly a place where kids hash out their conflicts, re-enforce unhealthy or risky behaviors and in some cases the conflicts and behaviors can escalate or become bad. “Growing Up Online” was a thought-provoking program concerning the Internet, education and online culture.

I know that we have a few more years before our children are teens but I am a believer in being well prepared. It is best to become educated and start preparing for it now. (AND NEVER STOP STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE SAFETY)

My only concern or gripe with the program is that unfortunately, just as bad things happen offline, there are many horror stories about how the Internet plays a role in horrific events. It is so very sad. Just like real life, there are many good stories to tell as well, but of course most mainstream media doesn’t pick up on it.

The Internet does provide another way for kids to become victims - but it also provides so much more - communities of interest, connections, access to information, and knowledge on a global scale. Our challenge as parents and teachers (and communities) is to pay attention and be present and engaged as much as possible in their lives. I know that is not an “answer” but we certainly will not be able to stop the digital movement so we better get on board and keep up.