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Pointers for Parents - Tips On Teens
Today’s teenagers, the first to grow up with the Internet,
have quickly made it an essential part of their lives.
They send instant messages rather than call. They get their daily
dose of entertainment on the Web instead of on TV. They get help
with schoolwork by accessing a wealth of information with just
a few mouse clicks. In fact, according to Jupiter Research, more
than 18 million young people aged 12 to 17 are online and an AOL/Digital
Marketing Services study found that more than half of them go
online every day.
For parents, many of whom still get computer advice from their
teen, it can be hard to keep up with the latest online trends.
With three million teenage members, America Online's RED service
is one of the top online destinations visited by teens. For parents
who want to be “in the know” about their teens' Internet
habits, here’s a list of the most popular online activities:
Blogs: Blogs, or online journals, are fast becoming fixtures in
teens’ lives. It’s a place to express their thoughts
and “see and be seen” by their peers.
The RED service for teens recently launched RED Blogs which gives
teens a variety of cool features to use to personalize blogs.
Unlike public blogging sites, it lets parents limit who can view
their teen’s blog. Music: Music has long been an essential
part of the teen scene, influencing everything from what they
read to what they wear. With fewer music videos on TV, online
music has become a popular way to discover and experience the
newest music.
For example, AOL Music, offers new music videos, commercial-
free radio, live concerts and exclusive in-studio performances
by hot artists such as Lindsay Lohan, Gwen Stefani and Green Day.
Games: One of the most popular activities on the Web—not
only among teens but with adults as well. AOL Games and RED offer
dozens of free online and downloadable games, as well as tips,
cheats, reviews, news and original programming about the latest
video games. Comics and Anime: RED service comics and anime include
exclusive content from DC Comics and Cross- Den, a daily dose
of satire from MAD magazine, cutting-edge Japanese anime and works
from up-and-coming illustrators.
The award-winning parental controls from AOL let parents protect
their kids while they enjoy all the latest entertainment online.
So the next time you’re wondering what your kids are doing
online, join in to listen to your favorite band or play a fun
game. You can also find your own way to use the Internet by discovering
new recipes or sharing family photos.
The Internet is full of engaging activities for the entire family.
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