Internet Safety

Since technology is everywhere, parents are finding that they need to update their own skills in order to monitor what children are doing in the social networking world.  Parents have joined sites such as Facebook to monitor their children. On these sites teens may reveal information and act differently than they would in a different environment. They need to be aware of the risks associated with disclosing personal information on these sites as there are predators who seek out teens specifically. A good example is seen on the program “To catch a predator” where men lure teens as young as twelve and thirteen.

It is important for parents to learn how to navigate the internet and teach their children online safety. There are also simple ways parents can monitor online use, put passwords on computers, block searches that include key words that may be inappropriate using special filtering software. Computers should also be kept in a family area and the child should not be encouraged to use the computer in areas such as the bedroom or an area where they cannot be easily monitored. Teens should also be taught how to protect themselves by restricting access to their page, place settings on private and avoiding the use of private chat rooms. I have included a few websites with additional information on safety tips for parents and children.

http://kids.yahoo.com/parents/online-safety

http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide/parent-guide

http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/

Teen Tech: High School

Children are learning how to operate computers and access programs at a younger age. Now all schools have computers in their classrooms, and have incorporated modern technology like smart boards in addition to desktops and laptops. Educators are now urged to add technology based lessons to the curriculum using them to assist in learning. Giant Campus of Washington is an online school in Washington State offering courses for grades 6-12.  The program is free and gives students the opportunity to work from home or school. For parents who prefer to home school their children it is an ideal program. With access to online programs students can get a high school diploma and choose from digital arts, engineering, business and technology courses.  

After reviewing the online curriculum it seemed like a great idea for my daughter who is interested in digital arts but not so excited to go to high school. This led me to another website called Teen homeschool hang, this site offers homework assistance, health, fitness and even Christianity and religion. Students can also meet other homeschoolers in their local areas. Under creativity and entertainment homeschoolers have Open Mic for poems, arts and songs. The Library offers reviews for books, movies and music.  I am learning so much from doing this blog. I hope that this has provided some information for you as it has for me.

http://www.teenhomeschoolhang.com

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/12/prweb4898084.htm

Teen Technology Mystery: Introduction

Teen Technology Mystery: Introduction:"As new technological devices are created, and the internet becomes the primary source of research, teenagers are continually being bombarded..."

Technology Usage

Teenagers are using technology to stay in contact with friends by utilizing social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and My space. With Skype teenagers can actually see their friends while talking to them. They are able to access educational programs, complete assignments and even review their grades. The current rating shows Facebook as the number one social network used by teenagers, and YouTube is the most popular internet website. NASI (National Association of Independent Schools) says that 60 to 70% of 7^th graders have a Facebook account.

As mentioned prior even in a school setting technology is used as teachers utilize the internet and various other online programs to assist students in learning. Companies such as McGraw Hill have almost 95 % of textbooks also available as e-books.  My concern is whether this takes away from developing the one on one interaction not only between students but the teacher - student relationship as well.





http://www.cyberbullying.us/research.php

Introduction

As new technological devices are created, and the internet becomes the primary source of research, teenagers are continually being bombarded by new gadgets constantly. More companies are developing devices that have practically helped diminish teenage interpersonal skills.

My blog will focus on technology and the specific effects on teenagers, parenting, and marketing. According to United States Department of Labor; the statistics show computer systems design, and other related services as expected major sources for employment opportunities in the future. The example below shows the internet growth rate, and how it continues to increase. The graph also reveals the increase in internet usage worldwide.

As technological devices and social networks are upgraded teenage behaviors are affected at home and in school. At home, technology makes it more difficult to monitor what teenagers are doing on their cell phone, internet sites, games, and television. With access to numerous cable channels, parents are forced to limit or block certain networks in order to monitor their children viewing capabilities. Meanwhile, companies are still targeting teenagers to increase their sales and gain higher ratings by using popular music and young stars in their ad campaigns.                                                                                                                 http://www.internetworldstats.com/emarketing.htm