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Digital Kids: Dumber and More Distractable? Or Do Kids Learn Better Online?

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It is no surprise that the online world offers opportunities (education, entertainment, creativity) and threats (addiction, stalking, bullying). What's more surprising is the inability for school programs to catch up to a technology-driven generation. More on this and three great online tools for kids on a recent post: http://digitalpopuli.com/online-kids/on-kids-parenting-and-the-real-time-web/

Cristian 5:17AM February 08, 2010

In my opinion, children should be encouraged to learn to type and use a computer at a young age. But access to the internet shouldn't be "all access" to kids until they are at least 16yrs old (with limitations). Anyone 15 and under should have an adult sitting within viewing range of the computer to be able to surf the net. And there is no reason that any child should have a web cam or access to uploading personal photos on the internet. I know that people want to be old fashioned and just turn off the power and make kids play Monopoly all night but honestly that's not going to help them when they cant type a paper for a highschool class and not know how to use a keyboard. The internet should be a shared experience between parents and children just like if you were playing a game at a dinner table. Show them safe places to play games and encourage websites that have educational tools.

engelixe of ID 9:50PM February 04, 2010

Now they want to have "Obesity" programs too. It did not become a real problem until tech started baby sitting. It is funny that we are reading this online and I am not using my brain to type it. Of course I just threw in that last part. I do alot of thinking. One subject has me researching other subjects and so on. I get mentally tired from all the information I read. Then I have to discern what I think is fact and what I think is bull.

al of OK 3:25PM February 04, 2010

This is so funny. Everyone that made a post comments read this online,or some kind of social network. I am reading this from a tweet that I got on my iPhone.

Richard Tafoya of TX 1:03PM February 03, 2010

Where do children get the money to buy such electronic gadgets? Why do parents allow their children to access such electronics under such durations of time?
Parents are the ones with the respnsibilities to raise their children within an environment conducive for education & moral upbringing.
When parents give in & give up, how can the children bear all the fault of being so "dumb"?
Let's make a new resolution: turn off the tv, wii, cell phones, computers, satellites, cable tv, and ipods.
Let's do some old-fashioned book reading & fun board games as family!

B.O. of CA 10:31PM February 02, 2010

Did parents get together and ask for cell phones, texting, IM, social network sites, and Twitter to become "must have" accessories and activities for kids? I kinda doubt it.
Was it YOUR idea to sell liquor and cold beer in all the gas stations. Probably not. Funny how citizens don't really control the big social trends very much.

Muser of NM 9:24PM February 02, 2010