Spending Time Online Is Good For Teens

Photo credit: Extra Ketchup

A new study says that time spent on the Internet is not time wasted but is actually good for teens.Teens who spend time on the internet learn important skills such as how to communicate online, create an online identity, and create a home page.

While I can see how building online skills is crucial, I am still bothered by the statement that “connecting online with friends via social networks was where teens now “hang out”, compared to the usual public places like shopping malls, the street and parks.” It bothers me because I spend time online too, and form online connections, but as much as I value my online friendships,  the 9 months I have spent on the Internet have taught me that people need face to face interaction.

In addition, as much as teens need to build online presence and online skills, they also need to get exercise, read books and study. If their entire free time is spent online, they’re missing out on other important aspects of life.

As long as time spent online is reasonably limited, I can see how online time can be beneficial. But the key here is limiting time spent online and not allowing it to take over the child’s life.

The study authors point out that most parents know very little about what their kids are doing online. As a result, they are struggling to give real guidance and help.They encourage parents and teachers to become more familiar with kids’ online activities so that they can give important guidance on issues such as online predators and spending too much time online.

It’s not that parents should join their kid’s Facebook network. Most kids - and parents - would not want that. But parents who have an online presence and spend time on social networks will have a better understanding of their teens.

A good way to start your online social profile is to sign up with UpToUs - an online network for parents, which offers tools for managing kids’ groups such as classrooms, sports teams and scout troops.

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UpToUs offers online groups for parents, where parents connect and organize their kids’ activities. Visit our website today to start a community for your classroom, sports team or any other trusted group.