Recent studies now question just how Facebook, MySpace, and other competing social networking sites can benefit – not harm – your teen’s development. It seems that Facebook and MySpace have bred a more well-adjusted population of adolescents. Contrary to popular belief, most teens are not friends with large numbers of strangers and use the websites to keep in touch with distant friends or maintain relationships outside of the classroom or off the field. In fact, the use of social media may be helping teens “shape their own identities,” according to a recent LA Times article. Now that Facebook has opened itself up to people of all ages, allowing parents and adults to join networks based on region as well as profession, parents are able to monitor their children’s use of the sites simply by adding them as a friend. In this way, parents have a bit of insight as to whether their children would be likely to throw themselves into harm’s way.

According to the Digital Youth Project, “Most youth use online networks to extend the friendships that they navigate in the familiar contexts of school, religious organizations, sports, and other local activities.” It also notes that social media allows for interaction based on interest, hence the reason for joining a group on Facebook or joining a social network designed primarily for athletes. Social media gives a new meaning to friendships and allows for a casual, comfortable place where teens can express themselves. Flirtatious comments left on a friend’s “wall” will be seen by others, and in a way, can be thought of as a means of self-protection. In a way, the same school yard tensions and cliques can develop, but really, the only reason it seems frightening is that it’s not as clear cut as it was when my parents were children. Instead of the football players on one side of the lunchroom and the Mathletes on the other, it’s done digitally, often times reinforcing these boundaries but also reinforcing the connection these kids feel with one another. As a high school debater, I loved finding groups on Facebook where my debate peers came together to celebrate our tournaments and the activity; it gave me a sense of home and a really strong sense of community.

What’s most important is just that teens (and parents) use these networks for constructive purposes. Cyber-bullying, sexting, and other forms of harassment are always a threat, but I feel like that is because most people fail to educate themselves of the legality and seriousness behind it. Like a threatening phone call, a threatening email can be held against you. Once your teen is made aware of these facts, all fears should subside.

Do you let your kids use Facebook? If not, why? I’d love to hear your feedback!

For more information on the Digital Youth Project or to read the original LA Times article please click here.

- Summer concert and book reading series at the Bronx Zoo (free with admission): http://ow.ly/1zsku
- My Garden Pets exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden: http://ow.ly/1zsn7
- Family Spring events at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (most are free after admission): http://ow.ly/1zsso
- Diabetes: A Deeper Look at the Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ): http://ow.ly/1zswb

What are your favorite spring/summer field trips or family day trips?

PS 22 Chorus \"Lisztomania\" on YouTube

I may be a bit behind, but the kids still deserve some credit. I can’t wait to see who else they cover!

For more information, check out their blog at: http://ps22chorus.blogspot.com/

Consider tying the Census into your lesson plans in the upcoming weeks. It’s a good way to start teaching kids about the government and its roles in our society. At the very least, it could be instrumental in counting exercises.

Find out more info here: http://www.census.gov/schools/

Well, maybe not always. Last month, air traffic controllers at JFK airport allowed a child to make transmissions to pilots. But what started as fun-and-games has quickly turned into a serious investigation. Click here for the AP story via Yahoo.

The decade according to 9-year-olds from allison louie-garcia on Vimeo.

Tiana Rapp, 17, and her friend had lost over $200 from repeated thefts from her locker, while the school pretty much said there was nothing they could do about it–despite employing an adult hall monitor. So Tiana and her friend took matters into their own hands, and set up a secret video camera that revealed the criminal was none other than the hall monitor herself, who had been using a master key to get into students’ lockers. It all makes so much sense in the end!

For the full story, see the article at Newsday.

Miles also tore it up on the Ellen DeGeneres Show earlier this week, and is fast on his way to becoming an internet sensation. Glad to see a kid and parent taking serious pride in his talent, putting some real work into the production of this video, and raising the bar for home videotapers everywhere.

Echolation is not a new story, but Lucas, who was taught the technique by Californian Daniel Kish, founder of the World Access for the Blind charity, is believed to be the first person in Britain to learn it. For a video of Lucas using echolation to shoot a basketball and navigate his surroundings, visit The Sun’s website.

This story sounds a little like a big Lego marketing ploy, but it is too good to not share: 7-year old Quaid Guarino of Maine has a “new way of playing with Legos” that is so interesting, Quaid’s parents helped him contact Lego headquarters–and Lego wants to buy it.

So what’s the idea?

Well, nobody knows yet. Quaid has signed a release form that keeps him from telling anybody else about it. I’ll let you guys know more as soon as I do. This idea better be good, kid!

For the full story in the Portland Press Herald, click here.

Photo credit:  Doug Jones, Portland Press Herald