A recent survey found that 40% of Canadian 9-to-17-year-olds say they've been cyberbullied (43% female, 38% male), nearly 60% said there were no consequences, and "some 60% of the respondents agree people bully because it’s 'cool'," reports the Vancouver Sun, citing the survey from Microsoft Canada and market research firm Youthography. The London (Ont.) Free Press reports that Canadian "parents … [Read more...] about Canadian study: Cyberbullying seen as ‘cool’
Youth
Undercover Mom in ClubPenguin, Part 3: Anybody here speak English?!
By Sharon Duke EstroffI’m beginning to understand why kids are so obsessed with Club Penguin. It’s a posh ski vacation via DSL connection. There’s snow tubing, ski lifts, and an ice hockey rink; a coffee shop, pizza joint, and discothèque; even a beach complete with surfboards, sun umbrellas and an outdoor fire pit (photo links below). And they’re all packed like sardines with friend-seeking … [Read more...] about Undercover Mom in ClubPenguin, Part 3: Anybody here speak English?!
Digital native-eye-view of parenting
Vanessa Van Petten is not a teenager, but she plays one to great effect on YouTube (she's also not all that long past the teen years, so her credibility is high). With a fun, breathlessly paced song to Mom from her loving daughter, see Vanessa's kid's response to Anita Renfroe's Mom Song - also to the William Tell Overture. See also her blog, OnTeensToday.com. … [Read more...] about Digital native-eye-view of parenting
Undercover Mom in ClubPenguin, Part 2: Let’s get this party started!
by Sharon Duke EstroffI have to admit I’m pretty darn cute. My avatar, ChillyLily437, that is. I’m plump, perky, and very pink. Only one more hurdle to jump before I can make my cybersocial debut on Club Penguin: an emailed permission slip from my parents. Rather than submitting my real email address (this is a stealth operation after all!), I open up an alias email and have the CP powers-that-be … [Read more...] about Undercover Mom in ClubPenguin, Part 2: Let’s get this party started!
Social networking ‘infantilizing’ users’ brains?
The social-networking backlash is taking a new form as we move past the predator panic's peak. A fresh sign of digital-non-native uneasiness about the social Web concerns its neurological and psychological impact. Oxford University neuroscientist and Baroness Susan Greenfield made headlines today with her comment that social network sites are "infantilizing the brain," reminding her "of the way … [Read more...] about Social networking ‘infantilizing’ users’ brains?