I was watching the CBS nightly news tonight and saw an interesting story that I felt was appropriate for our class. The story was on cell phones and how teens take them and computers to the extreme. Cell phones in America have become an obsession and most parents have no idea just how crazy this new wave of technology is.
In this article titled, "For Teen Daters, Cell Phones Can Be A Leash" from the Christian Science Monitor, experts give several statistics to show how teens are literally obesessed with their cell phones. Those who are in relationships have it the worst, as significant others are constantly texting and calling just to see where their loved one is. This is referred to as being on an "electronic leash," as there is always a way to get in touch with people. In some cases, this obsession can become violent. One girl explains in this article how her boyfriend used instant messenger on the internet to manipulate her into staying in an unhealthy relationship. He would threaten to kill himself if she ever left him, and gave such threats through the computer.
I feel as though many teens find it easier to express their feelings on the internet or through a text message rather then face-to-face. You have the freedom to say what you want to say without hearing or seeing a reaction. Though at times convenient, texting and IMing can be taken too far. I can remember on a few occasions in high school where I was threatened on the internet. Never would the girls say what she had to say to my face, rather she would hide behind the computer screen and verbally abuse me through cyberspace. Teens need to be very careful with what they say on the internet, as those who monitor conversations are becoming less lenient with online threats. If ever one of your students feels abused, whether on the internet or through the cell phone, be sure to inform them that they do have the option to report their harasser.
In addition the information listed above, this article gives helpful information on how parents should deal with issues that should arise as a result of online or cell phone harassment. I feel that as future teachers, this article is very important to read. With all the new technology out there, and with the majority of America's teens using the internet and cell phones, it is our responsibility to make sure that our kids are safe
Here is the article if any of you should want to read more on the subject:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/12/tech/main2464217.shtml
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Hey Lindsay,
It is scary how teens have become addicted to the internet and their cell phones. I didn't get my first cell phone until I was a senior in High School. My parents were aware that it would be a distraction and there was no need for more distraction in my life. The internet was a whole other story. Throughout middle school and high school, I was only allowed on the internet for a certain amount of time a day. My mother is not a moron, she knew damn well that I was sitting in front of a screen, either playing games or talking to my friends. There was nothing educational about it. I think parents still need to continue to enforce rules about the amount of time their child is spending on the internet. Too many things can go wrong on the computer and get kids into trouble. It really is not worth it.
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