What’s Up With Kids
At SimplyYouthMinistry.com, youth-culture expert Walt Mueller chats up social-networking sites.
Millions of teenagers now expose themselves, their feelings, and their thoughts in personal blogs (web logs) posted on one of the many social-networking websites. Public online journals have replaced hidden, locked private diaries. Today, both teenage girls and their male peers are openly sharing their "secrets" for anyone in the world with Internet access to see. Kids use blogs to vent and share commentary about every aspect of teenage life. They also post pictures of themselves, artwork, and personality profiles. Self-expression is encouraged, and the sites are highly interactive. Here are suggestions for dealing with this phenomenon:
First, know what your kids are doing online. Ask if they have their own blog page and if you can see it. Otherwise, spending some time online can usually get you to their online home. Register for free at the homepage of Facebook.com, Xanga.com, or MySpace.com. Then use the site's “search” capability to find your town or school. You’ll be flying through a Web of local kids’ sites with familiar names and faces. Eventually, you should find what you're looking for.
Second, read carefully without overreacting. You’ll probably find some things on these sites that are surprising and alarming. While some of it might be marked by exaggeration and embellishment, most depicts what’s going on in kids’ lives. Look for clues that will help you discover their problems, challenges, concerns, and struggles. Remember, you’re looking through a window into their world.Third, carefully and prayerfully prepare your response. Warn teenagers about Internet predators. Discuss what you’ve read with your kids. Assure them that your concern is motivated solely by your love and care for them. Most importantly, bring the light of God’s Word to bear on kids’ issues and struggles.
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