Who are the Kids Behind the Screen

By Eric Reese

As our children and teens race down the on-ramp to the Information Superhighway, many parents feel left behind in the dust. News stories about online sexual predators, child pornography, cyberbullies, hate groups, gaming addiction, and other dangers that lurk in the online world make us feel increasingly concerned about what our children are doing (and with whom) in cyberspace. In this book, "Who are the Kids Behind the Screen, provides you with need-to-know information about those online dangers, and she gives you the practical parenting strategies necessary to help children and teens learn to use the Internet safely and responsibly. Parents protect younger children by keeping them in safe places, teaching them simple safety rules, and paying close attention. As children grow, we help them gain the knowledge, skills, and values to make good choices--choices that will keep them safe and show respect for the rights of others. In the book, "Who are the Kids Behind the Screen", Eric shows you how those same strategies can be translated from the real world to the cyberworld, and that you don't have to learn advanced computer skills to put them into effect. As you work on these strategies with your child, you will also discover that remaining engaged with what your children are doing online is much more valuable than any blocking software you could buy. "Eric blends the perspectives of a wise parent and a serious scholar about issues related to Internet behavior and safety. . . . Pick up the book, open it to any random page, and you will find on that page or nearby a wealth of helpful advice and useful commentary on the cyber-reality facing our children and on how to deal with any of the issues identified.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eric Reese
• Release date: Oct 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9783962558888

Eric Reese

"Every book I write goes into uncharted territories others won't pen."   About me: I'm Eric Reese, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I've worked as a community organizer, educator, graphic design, human services and a number of other fields.  I'm the recipient of the first Mayoral Scholarship of Philadelphia (1993), the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Human Relations Award (1989) and a few other awards and scholarships nationally and globally.  I've always had an interest in writing especially from the old-journal-in-the-morning days as many of my books today reflect my experiences here and abroad.  When I have time for myself, I love traveling, mediating and researching new marketing tactics. One of my weirdest experiences was when I once lived on a top roof in an apartment building in Beirut for a few weeks until I found somewhere to stay during the war in Afghanistan. Every night, I'd listen to BBC radio and hear the chaos while not be detected.  Some say that my lively and energetic character has made me many friends across the world. I really hope so; with many friends come many enemies. In the future, I'd love to own a large home somewhere in a quiet peaceful spacious area where my neighbors are not close but not far. Now I live wherever is called home at the time in hopes of achieving my goal one of these days. You can contact me at [e-mail]

Book preview

Who are the Kids behind the Screen?

Eric Reese

Contents

Preface

What in the world is social media?

Stats on Social Media and Children

Social Media Usage Statistics

Social Media Business Stats

Social Media Content Stats

Why are my kids using social media?

Negative Influences of Social Media on my Child

My Children can’t put down their phones

Preface

About two years ago, after coming home finally from being overseas, I took notice to a habit that one of my children displayed while visiting our relatives on our first union since returning. My daughter couldn’t not put her phone down. Between my plea for her to pay attention and interact with some family members that she hadn’t seen since she was younger and some of our older relatives taking notice, it was a failed attempt to get her to stop using her cellphone. I became frustrated and raised my voice a bit to get her attention and she insisted on using her phone and got visibly frustrated when her phone’s charge got low. Even as we sat at the table for dinner, she was on her phone, chatting and messaging as she responded attentively to each one of our family members whenever they struck a conversation. I sat clueless watching