Comments on: Growing Up Online

By: Derrall Garrison

Derrall Garrison — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:52:46 +0000

Coming from a teacher perspective, because of the disconnect between these teenager’s online identity and their parents, it looks to me as if just as we have to teach sex-ed and anti-drug information, so too will we need to add, cyber-safety and responsible online behaviors to what we now take on because of a proportion of our parents’ inabilities to connect with their children. That a child could be following an anorexic regimen I can understand because concealment is a major component of what someone like that might do, but to take on a “goth” appearance and for a parent not to immediately inquire or try to see why I don’t understand.

I also thought that there was a subtle communication happening with two of the teachers that were presented. For Steve Maher that was using 21st century tools in the show editing we saw shots of students “zoning out” in front of their monitors with little interaction, no showing of the social/communication tools that they may be using in class. For Rose Porpora who only uses books, pencils, and paper, we saw a class in a circle, together and learning. I think it would have been more valuable to have heard more from the various students in these classes and their perspective on learning in both environments. But we know what they would have said.

By: Sue T

Sue T — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:24:20 +0000

Patrick a great effort to discuss a difficult piece of viewing. It wasn’t too extreme and did attempt to present some of the positives as well as all the usual stereotypes and hysteria creating statements. At times it certainly had me thinking about myself and my teenagers and I feel that it is an excellent catalyst for conversations both at school and home.I haven’t seen any PBS shows before here in Australia, but I will be keeping an eye on the site. This is really only the start of an older generation realising how the whole world has shifted for these kids and many of us have no idea of their realities.

By: Ken

Ken — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:16:18 +0000

We watched this with my 12 & 15 year old sons and were amazed at how hostile and alienated the kids were toward their parents…you are right “if we don’t give our kids reasons and opportunities to talk with us,…”
There was no question in our family that I would have access to my son’s facebook profile. We are “friends” on-line and have a relationship in real life. Wesley Fryer has some great stuff to say about this on his blog.

By: Kate Olson

Kate Olson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 02:07:11 +0000

Great thoughts on a tough topic. I blogged about this today myself, but not quite so eloquently I’m struggling with finding the appropriate middle ground for kids – between becoming completely new people online and not using the internet at all. I’m hoping to figure it out before my kids are old enough to be online themselves.