There are still many parents who have little or no understanding of the online social world of teens. Teens spend hours each week using online technology to talk to their peers, meet new friends, watch videos and collaborate on homework. Yet the media often portrays the Internet as a dark and treacherous place filled with predators and other potential dangers to children and teens. What is a parent’s responsibility as their children navigate this relatively new frontier?

In Connected: Christian Parenting in an Age of IM and MySpace (Judson Press, 2007, ISBN# 978-0-8170-1516-9), Peggy Kendall helps parents understand the world of social networking and online communication. More importantly, she offers practical advice to parents who want to begin having conversations with their children about their online behavior and the impact it is having on their lives. Readers of Connected will be informed, knowledgeable and capable of engaging their teenagers in thoughtful discussion from a Christian perspective.

Kendall also has a keen sense of how the online world of teens is changing their lives from a sociological and relational perspective. She understands and explains the benefits of teenagers spending time with friends online and how this helps them developmentally, but she also warns of the potential pitfalls that arise with these developing technologies. Her warnings about online predators are less sensationalistic than many other approaches and she offers tips to keep teens safe.

There is no single blueprint for parenting from a Christian perspective in a digital age. Even if the technologies Kendall writes about come and go, heeding her advice and using the discussion starters will serve every parent and teen well. That way, when the “next big thing” comes around, parents can continue the conversation with their teen and stay informed, helping them to make smart decisions along the way.

—Chris Wagner

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For more information on resources to help you understand today's rapidly changing youth culture, contact the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

                ©2008, The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding