Social Media and Pre-teens [VIDEO] - Social Media Explorer
Social Media and Pre-teens [VIDEO]
Social Media and Pre-teens [VIDEO]
by

Today’s pre-teen has an instinctual understanding of the value of social networking, which is a good thing. It speaks to the way these networks are designed and to the user experience — that it is tapping into something fundamentally human in the way we connect.

However, that’s not enough. That stance assumes that the children involved also have the life experience necessary to recognize the boundaries of social norms, to handle bullying, to process peer pressure for what it is.

I posted this video last month in my effort to figure out where the lines are. I am depressed to say that most parents have never given this the first thought, and they should.

,
Some chastised me for being “behind the times,” because some schools are requiring children this young to have a Twitter account FOR LEARNING. (When it comes to the application of technology to journalism, non-profits, or my present industry, I believe my track record screams anything but “Luddite.”)

So please help us work through this together. Watch the video, and share your thoughts in the comments.

  • Is your mind changed, one way or another?
  • Given the emphasis on technology in schools (iPads and Chromebooks and the like), should there be more training around Social Media?
  • What should that training entail?
  • Are we sending the wrong message by encouraging kids and parents to violate a TOS?
  • Is this a clarion call to Twitter and Facebook to develop kid-friendly sandboxes their parents and teachers can oversee?
  • Is Ike just a raving fuddy-duddy who is destined to be kicked to the curb of history?

SME Paid Under

About the Author

Ike Pigott
In his previous life, Ike Pigott was an Emmy-winning TV reporter, who turned his insider's knowledge of the news cycle into a crisis communications consultancy. At the American Red Cross, serving as Communication and Government Relations Director for five southeastern states, Ike pioneered the use of social media in disaster. Now -- by day -- he is a communications strategist for Alabama Power and a Social Media Apologist; by night, he lurks at Occam's RazR, where he writes about the overlaps and absurdities in communications, technology, journalism and society. Find out how you can connect with Ike or follow him on Twitter at @ikepigott. He also recently won the coveted "Social Media Explorer contributing writer with the longest Bio" award.

VIP Explorer’s Club

Categories

Archives