Fatherhood

Social networks seem to have invaded just about every demographic.  One of the fastest growing segments of the social networking phenomenon is social networks aimed at children.

While the perils for children on larger social networks like Myspace are well documented, what isn’t entirely understood yet are the affects of kiddie-networks on our children.  Like all things in life, there are pros and cons.  Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of children using sites like Club Penguin, Webkinz, Nicktropolis and Millsberry.

Advantages

Safety Filters - Children are restricted in the language they can use on these sites.  Users are not allowed to type addresses, phone numbers or oftentimes, personal questions.   It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for predators to find out anything of importance from your child on one of these networks.

Computer Skills - While the sites are created for children, they still require the use of a computer.  Learning how to use a computer is an increasingly important skill in today’s world.  The earlier your child learns computer skills, the more fluid they will become in using them.

Promote Reading - Throughout these networks, children venture from room to room reading directions and taking part in surveys, quizzes and games.  By doing so, young children have a place to build their reading skills they really enjoy.

Typing - Most of the games are played with the keyboard and often require children to type their answers.  Interacting with others requires typing, as well, thereby improving your child’s understanding of the keyboard and ability to type.

Communicating - Despite the filters, children are encouraged to interact with each other in a variety of ways.  Those that don’t play nice are often banned or outcast.  Learning to move up in the social networking world requires good communication skills and fairness, good traits for anyone regardless of age.

Caring For Pets - Most of the kiddie-networks revolve around animals or allow yo to have a pet which you must take care of as if they were real.  This includes feeding, bathing and cleaning up after them.

Budgeting  - Many of the games on these networks offer rewards that can be collected and points that can be earned to save up for special items, teaching children how to budget and use virtual money.

Networking -  One of the most important skills for anyone to have in life is networking. It’s often said “it’s not what you know, but who you know”, and children learn that very quickly in kiddie-networks.

Disadvantages

Reduced Social Skills - Spending social time on virtual networks instead of playing with friends in real life can leave adults, as well as children, feeling less social in the real world.  Monitoring the amount of time your child spends on one of these sites is highly suggested.

Open Doors - Interacting with other children who may have less adult supervision can lead to your child finding out about other places on the net to visit.  Browsing around the internet opens door after door, many of which are unsuitable for children.

Internet Addiction - We are all susceptible to this.  Spending time on the internet often leads to spending lots more time on the internet.  Again, monitoring the amount of time your child spend online is very important.

Costs - Many of these new networks require users to pay monthly fees to gain higher access levels.  Like real life, children want to go and be where their friends are.  If their friends have higher access, your child is going to want to follow, which can turn into quite an investment of not only time, but money, as well.

The pros and cons of your child social networking online are endless, but with the above guidelines, you should have a firm grasp on what exactly is going on and how much time your child should be spending on these sites.  Every parent will have different thoughts and approaches as to how to handle this issue and should keep in mind that ultimately they are responsible for what their children see and do online.  I personally allow my two oldest daughters to spend no more than four hours a week online for fun as I’d much rather see them playing together or outside, and don’t think my youngest daughter should be online at all.

In any case, be proactive and participate in your child’s online life much like you would their real life.  As the internet continues to occupy more and more of our time, promoting responsible online usage will become an even more important role for all parents.

For more insight on social networks for children, check out the article “Sites let preteens network online”.

social networks, online usage, kids on the internet