MySpace for the Sandlot Set

conq writes "BusinessWeek has a piece on social networking sites for kids." From the article: "Parents are paying more heed to the kiddie sites because they know their children will learn, work, and live online. Computer skills such as social networking are becoming as much a part of the success-in-life portfolio as addition and subtraction, says Herbert S. Lin, senior scientist at the National Research Council. Parents' support of these sites stems in part from the idea that it's better for their kids to get their online introductions in a controlled environment -- as many of these sites promise -- than venture into the cyberjungle alone."

Re:Best way to teach about the net...

[HoosierPeschke]

I agree, it's the same as with TV and video games. I work and maintain a moderate lifestyle so my wife can stay home with my son. I'm not fond of those sites because they're mostly hideous and tend to be the new babysitter for kids.

I feel sorry for my son though, he'll probably be one of the few that actually knows what it's like to play outside, go camping, and not know what myspace is all about (thank you gentoo+iptables+squid).

Re:Best way to teach about the net...

[LiquidCoooled]

Even though lots of people in the world use computers, a great deal don't.
My sons can both use computers (too well sometimes) but they don't have an internet connection in their bedroom. If they want to go online they can come on the family pc and do whatever they need to.

Computers can be a very powerful tool, but they should not run your life.