To many, social networks have become a useful tool. With the ability to connect with friends around the world at any moment, social networks have generally promoted larger discussion networks among its users. These networks provide users with more opportunities to share important issues, and can even promote involvement in their communities (Source A). Youths involved in online groups are more likely to increase their level of volunteering, charitable giving, and expressing themselves about community issues (Source B), and other studies show that those who use these sites have more diverse friend groups, and that their own personal networks grew the more they used the sites (Source A). Furthermore children who begin to use the sites at a younger age have an enhanced creativity than those who dont, and have been shown to have an increased development in technical skills (Source C).

Source A: Times-Transcript Moncton, N.B., CanadaSIRS Researcher.

A contrasting opinion by Joseph Zeccola from the same book disagrees. Zeccola starts off by introducing two recent studies involving Facebook and its affects on productivity. One experiment by Ohio State University showed that using Facebook regularly significantly leads to lower academic achievement in college, while another experiment completely discredits the previous OSU study and Conraths beliefs, showing that there is no correlation between Facebook use and grades. After briefly summarizing these two experiments, Zeccola firmly states that he is in support of the second one. Also contrary to Conraths sayings, he believes that social networks themselves do not hurt grades, and it is a matter of how students control their free time that is the problem. Furthermore Zeccola believes that the most important issue at hand is the opportunity this technology presents teachers, completely disagreeing with Conraths belief that the site is a teachers job harder. Ultimately, Zeccola focuses on the potential benefits that Facebook can provide teachers, as since they are now integrated into our culture, teachers might as well use sites like Facebook to help students discover interests and better express themselves to further their educations.

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And yet, the burden does not only ll upon parents. When we look at our own media ranging from movies to stand-up comedies, what kind of examples does society set for teenagers? On-air comedians ridicule disgraced politicians (Source B), entertainment news programs gossip endlessly (Source B), and TV shows like Gossip Girl are aired in which characters post gossip to an online entity that then sends alerts to everyone else (Source D). These may very well be forms of entertainment, but it is important for the society to note that they too can send the wrong message to children. It is the societys responsibility to be aware of what role-models it is setting up for the younger generation.

Bobkoff, Dan. Online Social Networking Has Altered the Rules of Social Interaction.Wesleyan Argus (15 Apr. 2005). Rpt. in Online Social Networking. Ed. Sylvia Engdahl. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. Current Controversies. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 30 Apr. 2011.

Source B: Unknown.Washington Post (Washington, DC)SIRS Researcher.

(Source D) Matthews, Karen. Violent Video Games Touted As Learning Tool. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY). 28 May 2010: n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web. 29 Mar 2011.

If you are a parent reading this right now, it is likely you may think that I am simply a naïve teenager who believes that taking responsibility for a teenage child (the usual victim of cyberbullying) is easy: but I dont. In ct I realize that attempting to control a teenager is one of the most challenging tasks of parenthood. And yet, can parents be responsible without being controlling?  While, ultimately it is the role of parents to establish the terms of their childrens activity online, setting clear limits and responding supportively and definitively if things go awry (Source B), it is not necessary to monitor their kids online and participate in the online communities with [the] child (Source C). Parents should instead promote an atmosphere of trust so that the child is able to communicate freely rather than fear that the parents will respond by simply shutting down their online accounts (Source B).

Filed under Children, Social Networking Culture, Education, Electronic Entertainment, Health/Lifestyle, Internet, Social Networking, Technology, Teens at Risk

Source C: Herald (Everett, WA)SIRS Researcher.

Source D: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)SIRS Researcher.

(Source A) Robertson, Joe. Video Games Produce Mixed Report Card for Students Classroom Skills. Kansas City Star. 10 Mar 2011: n.p. SIRS Researcher.Web. 29 Apr 2011.

In Does Social Networking Hurt Student Grades, Kate Conrath argues that her students use of online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are major distraction(s) with no viable benefit(s) that stunt her students writing skills. Using experiences from her college life and her experiences with students, Conrath explains that she herself was part of the original Facebook generation and understands the appeal of the site. She then, however, moves on to say that although she was able to simultaneously use the site and successfully graduate college, she doesnt see the same thing happening with the Facebook generation, version 2.0. Conrath explains that too many of her students are using social network sites and then writing s for her using the same 100 words over and over, her job much more tedious and difficult. This has also led her to believe that if these types of s continue, her students will ce difficult times in the road ahead when going to college or looking for jobs.  Just like television, the sites are only tools of procrastination and outlets for students to waste their energy. Her students apathy for proper language leads Conrath to worry that they will have difficulty develop(ing) into functional adults.

With the rapidly growing popularity of online social networks like Facebook, many teachers have begun to worry about the sites effects on their students skills and grades. For example, as a middle-school teacher in Los Angeles, California, Kate Conrath firmly believes that the addition of online social networks into our lives has lead to a decrease in her students language skills and has negatively impacted her students ability to develop their writing. However, another teacher in the same area, Joseph Zeccola, believes that the internet websites do not affect grades, and, as a matter of ct, present a unique opportunity to learn. In the end, do students use of online social networks hamper their ability to earn good grades? Is their any correlation between the two things at all?

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SIRS Researcher.

Having said that, one must realize that cyberbullying is difficult to manage in the school system (Source D) alone. Schools may enact several rules against such bullying, but it is difficult to respond if one is unable to detect who the bully is. Cyberbullying is characterized by the perpetrators ability to maintain anonymity and to harass victims 24 hours a day, thus, often it extremely hard for schools to help milies punish the unknown culprit because of lack of official support (Source D).

Steel, Emily, and Jessica E. Vascellaro. Sites Confront Privacy Loophole. Wall Street Journal. 21 May 2010: B. 1.SIRS Researcher. Web. 14 Apr 2011.

CITED WORK:

Works Cited:

Khadaroo, Stacy Teicher. Does Facebook Boost Civic Engagement Among American Youths, Too?. Christian Science Monitor. 24 Feb 2011: n.p.SIRS Researcher. Web. 01 May 2011.

Schoolchildren Are Not Ready for Social Networking. Are Social Networking Sites Harmful? Ed. Sten Kiesbye. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 30 Apr. 2011.

Lyons, Daniel. The High Price of Facebook. Newsweek Vol. 155, No. 22. 31 May 2010: n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web. 01 May 2011.

Timpane, John. Connected, Not Just Online. Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA). 03 Jan 2010: A.1. SIRS Researcher. Web. 14 Apr 2011.

SIRS Researcher.

Source E:

In these cases, a solution would be to educate the users about the sites they are using and the consequences of their actions. After all, it isnt the students ult that they believe they are safe. Most of them take a laissez-ire attitude towards the site, and feel secure because they believe only other students will be paying them any attention (Source E). On the internet, however, almost anyone is able to sign up for these networks, and thSocial Networkingeres a huge difference between the construction of whos reading your post and the reality (Source E). In addition to educating users, it would also be beneficial for sites like Facebook to move back to their original privacy policy. With the ability to keep everything private, users would be in a much more secure position than having their information for all to see. A combination between education and a move back into original security measures is not an easy fix to the solution, but it is a movement in the correct direction. In the end, the use of knowledge is the key to social networking, and it us up to themselves to decide what is best for themselves; if they are able to use the site safely and securely, their efforts to increase their awareness would clearly be filled with benefits that outweigh the cost (Source F).

Still, even with these benefits, there are also reasons to be wary about social network use. Social networking titan Facebook has begun to sell user information to advertising companies, generating controversy by creating an image where people are lured into a fun, free service, unaware that they pay for it by giving up loads of personal information (Source D). The sites changes in privacy policy have wavered peoples trust in the site, as in recent years it has moved from a place where you could keep everything private to one where unless you agree to make thingspublic, you cant list them at all (Source D). On top of that, most people simply dont understand the implications of their actions on the internet (Source E). Something posted on the internet may come back to hurt the poster in an unexpected way, whether it be with an employer, loved one, or simply a friend.

Both sides do indeed seem appealing but if we merely just pick a side and defend it, there will just be a standstill. Before we can even address the effects of the technology we need to realize the importance of how we are taught to use it. It would seem that both sides agree that if too much time is spent, the effects are inherently harmful. However, a recent study shows that the issue is largely the children rather than the technology or the time [kids] spend using it. (Source C)

A int blue light reflects off the glazed eyes of the sedentary user the lights are off, his ear buds are in, and the likelihood of procrastination is high. Seeing a student spending his afternoons like this would appear detrimental to the integrity of his grades, but is it really so? Advocates would claim that the child is learning valuable lessons through communication and virtual interaction rather then mindlessly wasting his day. This issue on whether or not we should use this new medium of technology has been in much hot water ever since its implementation in society. Whether it be playing video games or surfing a social network, heads have clashed. Sadly, both parties focus too much on how overtly positive or negative the technology is for academics rather than how we should teach our children how to respond to the advantages and pitlls of using this technology.

In todays society, the use of social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace has become commonplace. With increasing access to technology, more and more people have begun to connect with friends online, moving from the mall to the computer screen. But do the benefits of social networking really outweigh the cost? Advocates of social networking are quick to point out the sites social opportunities, as they provide a irly efficient way of maintaining relationships and becoming more involved in social interactions (albeit not ce to ce).  Opponents, on the other hand, worry about the sites constantly changing privacy guidelines allow personal information to leak online for all to see. Despite the sites ability to develop socialization among communities and friends, the ct of the matter is that the sites revealing of private information online for profit is r too risky at this time, leaving the costs to exceed the benefits.

Source F: Is Cyber Bullying Illegal? : Discovery News. Discovery News: Earth, Space, Tech,new york asian escorts Animals, Dinosaurs, History. Web. 01 May 2011.

(Source A) Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA)SIRS Researcher.

Although Conraths beliefs are well supported and can be true at times, I am more in support of Zeccolas statements. It is true the students spend a large amount of time on online social networks (time that could be used to study otherwise), but this is an issue of poor time management rather than the site itself. In terms of the idea that social networks are stunting students language skills, Conrath does seem to exaggerate a bit, stating that Il c u l8r is the medium of language used by her students in their writing. In the end, Zeccolas optimistic view on the situation and its future outweighs Conraths pessimistic one, as his goal to implement social networks into learning feels like a noble and beneficial one.

Lyons, Daniel. The High Price of Facebook. Newsweek Vol. 155, No. 22. 31 May 2010: n.p. SIRS Researcher.Web. 12 Apr 2011.

The growing availability of modern conveniences has played a large role in altering the lives of many people, especially students. Critics contest that the children who rely heavily on technology find it difficult to concentrate in classrooms (Source F). Apart from that, there seems to be a correlation between game systems and significantly lower (Source A) scores on reading and comprehension skills. It would seem obvious that after such evidence, we should avoid allowing our children to use this technology, and the critics would want us to believe so, but there are two sides.

scott01pd2012 on Electronic Entertainment To Browse or Not to Browse? That is not the question.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA)SIRS Researcher.

Conrath, Kate. Does Social Networking Hurt Student Grades?: Yes: The Explosion Is Stunting Students Language Skills. American Teacher. 2nd ed. Vol. 94. 2009. Web.

Timpane, John. Connected, Not Just Online. Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA). 03 Jan 2010: A.1. SIRS Researcher. Web. 14 Apr 2011.

Maybe in actuality the critics are concentrating their efforts in the wrong place. They should not be targeting the technology that has presented this plethora of opportunities to us but rather, how we educate our children to use these sources. Even though this technological outlet is positive overall, we must not over extend our reliance on it. Too much of a good thing is usually a bad thing; however, the road between embracing technology and neglecting human interaction is risky but definitely a road worth walking.

With social networks becoming more and more integrated in our modern culture, it is no surprise that many have begun to worry about the sites effects on its users. While many advocates point out the sites usefulness in developing and maintaining social relationships, opponents argue against the sites privacy leaks and potential danger to younger users. In this situation where both sides have their valid arguments, perhaps the best thing to do is look for the middle ground.

Several of us have experienced unpleasant encounters with school bullies, either as the victim or as a bystander, often resulting in adverse psychological trauma in either circumstance. However, the advent of technology, Internet and social networks, has caused bullying to evolve into a more targeted, more distasteful, more permanent, more anonymous, and more harmful kind of harassment cyberbullying (Source A). This burgeoning issue raises an important question: who is really responsible for protecting children from the dangers of cyberbullying? Several parents have argued for the legal system to become more aggressive and for schools to take more actions and preempt this kind of behavior; however, instead of pinning the blame on others, these parents need to first take responsibility for their childs situation before turning to anyone else.

Source D: Cyber-bullying: Is Social Media To Blame? Vik Gill Social Media Making Social Media Success A Reality For You. Web. 01 May 2011.

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Works Cited:

Zeccola, Joseph. Does Social Networking Hurt Student Grades?: No: Its a Learning Opportunity, Not a Student Liability. American Teacher. 2nd ed. Vol. 94. 2009. Web.

(Source E) Lyons, Daniel. The High Price of Facebook. Newsweek Vol. 155, No. 22. 31 May 2010: n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web. 14 Apr 2011.

We are targeting the wrong enemy. Through tenacious efforts to have the technology advocated or debased, we have truly ended up concentrating our efforts in a different direction. It is not a matter of how the technology has pros and cons, but rather how our children are educated to respond to the issue. A proper plan would be to teach children in schools the risks and benefits of these new modes of communication. While we continue to pursue our own biases, the true culprit will continue to be overlooked. If we spend all our time arguing whether we should have electronic entertainment or not, we are neglecting the possibility of our children being able to assume their own responsibility and act sensibility to both the dangers and the benefits of it. Hopefully in due time, we will realize that weve havent asked right question and change our views to address the root of the problem, ourselves.

However, while I advocate that parents should not control and monitor their childrens activity online, Source C raises an interesting point that kids show adults that they cant handle the online communities without any adult supervision and guidance because while kids may be appropriate in their conversations with elders present, they are not always so without an adult around. This is one of the chief reasons bullying is not commonly seen in the presence of teachers and parents. Most kids do not have the nerve to taunt others in fear of getting in trouble themselveENTERING THE CONVERSATIONs. If social networks are policed in a similar manner, I believe that cyberbullying will reduce significantly. However, in order to instill more fear in the cyberbullies than parents would be able to, it would be more effective if teachers, principals, and other such authoritative figures of the community undertake this responsibility.

Works Cited:

(Source B) Chatfield, Tom. Why Computer Games Can Teach Youngsters Valuable Life Lessons. The Observer (London, England). 10 Jan 2010: 28. SIRS Researcher. Web. 30 Apr 2011.

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Source A:

Works Cited:

Tyler Clementi, 18, committed suicide because of cyberbullying. Phoebe Prince, 15, committed suicide because of cyberbullying. Megan Meier, 13, committed suicide because of yes, you guessed it cyberbullying. As the list continues, so does the number of indignant parents who condemn the advent of social networking sites as a stimulus for cyberbullying. Advocates of these online sites point the finger at schools and hold the education system responsible for not being able to teach students the right values, and the academics are quick to pass the buck back to the parents creating a vicious, never-ending cycle of merely trying to find who is to blame. Sadly, what all parties il to recognize is that not one person or institution is single-handedly responsible for the rise of cyberbullying and for preventing it from increasing, but rather the society as a whole.

Hellmich, Nanci. Social Media Websites Can Be Useful for Kids, But USA TODAY. 28 Mar 2011: B.8. SIRS Researcher. Web. 01 May 2011.

In an environment where people are moving away to suburbs as well as purposely distancing themselves from others, it is no surprise that there has been much concern on issues such as this. At first glance this problem may appear as if the users are like a disaster in the (Source B) but in reality it is not so. While it seems paradoxical, the very same technology that is separating us is bringing us together. From reducing the drowning effects of loneliness to getting in touch with old colleagues, social networking has allowed us to achieve many of these technological barriers from the comfort of home. It is true that this type of communication is not really human contact (Source A), but in this st paced world, ce-to-ce communication may not be a possibility.

Although the effects may seem all negative on the outset, fervent advocates believe that it can actually be touted as a learning tool (Source D). The average playing time of two hours a day (Source A) may not actually be harmful at all. First person shooter games aid in helping users gain better attention, and better cognition (Source D) while also helping them band together (Source B) to form close-knit friendships. Social networks also help with interaction and improving communication overall.

As the younger generation has become more tech-savvy than the current teachers and parents, social networking websites are seen by some as the latest weapon of the school bully and as hazardous to [the victims] mental and physical health (Source E). Parents, teachers, and administrators all turn to sites like Facebook and blame them for not doing more to prevent cyber-bullying (Source D); however, is it not unir and misguided to only blame the social-networking sites for intensifying this form of bullying (Source B)? Since adults are largely responsible for showing kids how to use the medium (Source B), it is also their job to teach the children the risks of being a victim to cyberbullying and to turn to them for guidance should the children ever be ced with such a problem. Of course, during this process, it is important for parents to promote an atmosphere of trust so that children feel comfortable approaching their parents and are not afraid to communicate freely (Source A).

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Source B: Whos to Blame for Cyberbullying? James Alan Fox Crime &p>Source C: No School Policy on Facebook Internet. IOL Breaking News South Africa News World News Sport Business Entertainment IOL.co.za. Web. 01 May 2011.

Bullying (in any form) is inevitable because there are always some sadists who gain pleasure from tormenting others. Thus, parents, schools, and society in general need to come to terms with the ct that cyberbullying cannot be completely eradicated. However, if they all realize that it is not one persons responsibility to try and prevent cyberbullying, but rather a collaborative effort, then society can focus their attention on how to raise awareness, and teach children on how to respond if they ever ll victim to cyberbullying. This may seem like a simplistic solution, but the ct remains that without collaboration between media, parents, legislative bodies and academic agencies, cyberbullying can never be prevented.

The educational value of using this form of technology is especially beneficial for teenagers. While critics contest that you pay for [Facebook] with your privacy (Source C), the consequences presented the lack of privacy educates users to be reluctant on what they say. This skill is essential in everyday life since few words can go a long way. However, if you are too lenient with your words online you may run the risks of not [getting] employed due to the nasty stuff you have written (Source D). However, these social networking sites can be educational without having to teach the user a lesson. Just the mere ease of interaction with friends with a mere click has made communication extremely accessible and convenient.

Filed under Education, Electronic Entertainment, Health/Lifestyle, Internet, Social Networking, Technology, Teens at Risk

But does the legal system have a responsibility as well? There have been several cases where adults have simply blamed the law for not taking enough action against cyberbullying. Several demand that governments should sign cyberbullying bills into the law (Source F)? Others claim that most legislative approaches to curbing cyberbullying are a waste of time and money and that it is reactionary rather than preventive(Source F). However, once again, this is looking upon the issue with blinders. We cannot expect new legislation against cyberbullying to bring about a miracle and suddenly get rid off the bullies. Yet, if the government requires schools to incorporate the same policies (Source C), then the whole society can work together to prevent cyberbullying from soaring.

With great power comes great responsibility. This quote has circulated the pages of history books and newss for generations; however, as times change we must redefine this saying. A more fitting warning would be, with great technology comes great responsibility. As we stray from traditional sources of communication such as speaking ce to ce, the grasp of technologies such as the Internet expands. Although many people view this change as deleterious to our social structure as well as future endeavors, we should not stray from the positives they present. One of these issues has been social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. While some contest that it is indeed harmful to the overall well being of its users, I believe it provides many advantages through communication and education. Turning the other cheek when it comes to new technologies should be the last thing we resort to in this ever-changing world.

(Source F) Facebook Bad Impact to Students Grade. The Daily News Global. 19 Nov. 2010. Web. 30 Apr. 2011.

(Source C) Healy, Melissa. Teens Who Log On Dont Lag Behind. Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA). 18 May 2010: n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web.14 Apr 2011.

Therefore, while we can enlist the support of teachers and schools against the battle of cyberbullying, it is the parents who must teach their children to be respectful online (Source A). Ultimately, if parents inculcate good virtues into their children and teach them to be more courteous onlinesince jokes and pranks can be interpreted differently (Source A), these children will hopefully become more understanding and avoid taunting others. The ct remains that although it is not their sole responsibility, parents need to do more to fight against this escalating issue.