Firstly thanks so much for the positive feedback on my writing. I learn a little every day, and it really boosts my confidence seeing positive comments such as yours .

Secondly, on the matter of “drawing attention” from your teens, I personally don't see the issue as becoming “part of their crowd”. They have established friends and connections via these social networks, and if you provided input into that “circle of friends” it may be seen as “trying to cramp their style” (unintentional, I know ).

I think it's important to take time to understand how and why they use these sites, it's not so much that you can't have authority or influence over their habits, but moreso that you take time to see things from their perspective.

Teens use social networking to connect and discuss. I've often found my own actions far more influenced from discussions in social networking sites then I have from listening to my parents, it's about providing them with the freedom and also committing them to set boundaries.

I think generational gaps between the “web gen” and the “non web gen” have caused unnatural divides in opinion over who is right, and who is not. For those who aren't involved actively in social networks, they are seen as the “uncool mom” or grandparent.

It's no easy feat, but I am not convinced becoming their friend on Facebook or following them via Twitter is going to be all that much help to giving them the “mom lecture” in a more acceptable format.

Best of luck though, be sure to keep me informed on how you solve the issue (I may feature it in a post sometime soon!)

Thanks,

Josh

I hear your pain. I think this is why people like Josh are so important when they bring value to this new generation of kids growing up with technology!

Firstly thanks so much for the positive feedback on my writing. I learn a little every day, and it really boosts my confidence seeing positive comments such as yours .

Secondly, on the matter of “drawing attention” from your teens, I personally don't see the issue as becoming “part of their crowd”. They have established friends and connections via these social networks, and if you provided input into that “circle of friends” it may be seen as “trying to cramp their style” (unintentional, I know ).

I think it's important to take time to understand how and why they use these sites, it's not so much that you can't have authority or influence over their habits, but moreso that you take time to see things from their perspective.

Teens use social networking to connect and discuss. I've often found my own actions far more influenced from discussions in social networking sites then I have from listening to my parents, it's about providing them with the freedom and also committing them to set boundaries.

I think generational gaps between the “web gen” and the “non web gen” have caused unnatural divides in opinion over who is right, and who is not. For those who aren't involved actively in social networks, they are seen as the “uncool mom” or grandparent.

It's no easy feat, but I am not convinced becoming their friend on Facebook or following them via Twitter is going to be all that much help to giving them the “mom lecture” in a more acceptable format.

Best of luck though, be sure to keep me informed on how you solve the issue (I may feature it in a post sometime soon!)

Thanks,

Josh

I hear your pain. I think this is why people like Josh are so important when they bring value to this new generation of kids growing up with technology!

Teens adopt sticky, and spreadable ideas – and they have to be complete. The success of iTunes + iPod is that it is one integrated solution from beginning to end. Yes, teens are far more tech savvy than they have ever been before, but they still are not digital problem solvers (on the whole)