Logged on and Tuned Out: A Non-Techie's Guide to Parenting a Tech-Savvy Generation
By Vicki Courtney
Vicki Courtney, who originally knew very little about the technology her children were using, has done extensive research on the topic.
Courtney’s book is a helpful, up-to-date guide for parents who know little about modern computer technology. She uses statistics and personal anecdotes to discuss e-mail, instant messaging, social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, the posting of pictures and video on the web, YouTube, cell phones, online terms, and Internet safety and morality. Although she does not take a step-by-step approach to teach parents how to use these applications, she explains their definitions, purposes, benefits, and potential harm.
This book suggests ways that parents can limit uses of technology instead of banning it. Courtney encourages parents to learn more about technology so that they can serve as guides for their children, supervise Internet activity, and even engage in online communication with their children. The book asks parents to wake up and “tune in” to what their kids are really dealing with in a new technological age.
As someone who has grown up in this “new computer age,” I recommend this book to parents who know little about what technology their children are using.
“Several years ago I set up my own instant messenger account. I put my kids on my buddy list and a few friends who also had screen names and joined the world of instant messaging. From time to time, I sign on and have conversations with my kids who are sometimes in the next room! My daughter is not one to share her feelings much, and even though we are very close, it can feel like pulling teeth to get her to open up. I have found that if I IM her when I notice that she is looking down and ask her how she’s doing, amazingly, she will open up to me through this format. Again, it’s easier to type things you might not be willing to say face-to-face, and as is true in this case, that also can be a positive.” --Excerpt from the book
