Pros and Cons of Their Online World By Elizabeth Carll, Ph.D.
The Internet and online social networking, such as Facebook and MySpace, have opened new horizons for preteens and teens and the opportunity to greatly expand their social circles. This virtual explosion has resulted in both positive and negative developments.
On the positive side, technologies such as the Internet, cell phones, instant messaging (IM) and online social networking enable preteens and teens to form friendships with others whom they have never met or are
from different cultures. For those who may have difficulty making connections in more traditional settings or who live in an area with few similar aged peers, these technologies provide the opportunity to develop friendships They also let them assume an identity they’d like to project rather than being self-conscious about their appearance. Internet access also allows for rapid increase in knowledge on many topics.
On the negative side, both preteens and teens can be exposed to electronic aggression sometimes called e-bullying, cyber-bullying and electronic harassment. E-aggression can take the form of forwarding or posting private e-mail and IMs without permission, posting embarrassing photos sometimes taken with cell phone cameras, and creating blogs or Web sites to humiliate the target. These are especially problematic since it’s difficult to remove defamatory information from the Internet as it can appear to live on indefinitely.
Some teens may also appear to become addicted to video and online games spending excessive time playing games at the expense of time on homework or with friends and family. See below for how to handle these issues.
Elizabeth Carll, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and author in private practice in Huntington
Tips for Parents About Online Technologies Teach preteens and teens:
not to give out their password to anyone, including friends.
not to post personal information, including home telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, home address, on Web sites, blogs or chat rooms.
if they receive a threatening message, don’t respond. Print it out and show it to a parent or another adult.
to limit time spent on the computer that isn’t school work-related so as not to interfere with social and sports-related activities.
information posted on the Web can last indefinitely. Ask how they would feel if current postings were made public when they’re an adult looking for a job.
not to be afraid to discuss any problems, as parents are there to help, not to take away their computer privileges.
Web Alert
Become tech savvy. Learn about the Internet, instant messaging, Web sites and blogs, and play video games bought for preteens and teens as often the rating doesn’t reveal what is involved in the game. Monitoring online behavior is as important as observing how they interact with friends and adults in person.
