As a parent or educator, have you ever wondered what bullying and harassment look like from the other side of your kids' favorite online spaces – to the people who run them, moderate the action, and get those "abuse reports" users click on for all kinds of reasons? Moderators and community managers have an indispensable perspective to bring to the public discussion about cyberbullying, so I'm … [Read more...] about Cyberbullying: The view from behind a kids’ Web site
Izzy Neis
Moderator wisdom: Virtual worlds’ youth-safety experts
Virtual worlds are a red-hot topic these days, probably because of their rapid growth and the US Federal Trade Commission's report on their content (see "Related links" below). I can think of two more reasons to add: ConnectSafely's brand-new safety tips for parents (shameless plug, links below) and insights from master virtual-world moderators in a recent 3-part series on the subject at … [Read more...] about Moderator wisdom: Virtual worlds’ youth-safety experts
Kids’ virtual-world numbers: Update
Some 8 million US kids and teens spent time in virtual worlds on a regular basis last year, according to eMarketer, which expects that figure to grow to 15 million by 2013. The market research firm estimates that 37% of kids 3-11 play in virtual worlds at least once a month, and 54% will by 2013. According to conference organizer Virtual Worlds Management, as of this past January, there were 112 … [Read more...] about Kids’ virtual-world numbers: Update
Undercover Mom in ClubPenguin, Part 6: Old-fashioned pretend play in a new-fangled world
by Sharon Duke EstroffDuring my time on Club Penguin, I became a regular at the local pizzeria. I liked it because of the cliché Italian piano music, the cozy candle-lit tables, and the fiery brick oven; but mostly because of the friendly waiters and waitresses who never, ever delivered my pizza.Sure, I was initially stumped over how I could have given my order to 16 separate penguins and not have … [Read more...] about Undercover Mom in ClubPenguin, Part 6: Old-fashioned pretend play in a new-fangled world