Does it seem like your teen can't tear herself away from friends on the computer screen (except to text them on her cell phone)? That's because MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube are your son or daughter's life, not just another passing diversion. All that energy and time spent online is affecting your teen's life in countless ways, from sexual pressure and privacy to social standing and self-esteem. Some schools are banning online networking sites, yet your child insists they're "no big deal." Who's right? Drawing on personal interviews with hundreds of teens, educator Candice M. Kelsey helps parents assess what they should — and shouldn't — be worried about when it comes to technology. A landmark book, Generation MySpace is the first guide to the new world of online adolescence, where you'll discover: The Appeal of MySpace: How interaction becomes addictive, and how to stop it from taking control Profiles, Adds, and Top 8 Popularity: How "friending" is redefining friendship Baring It All: How young kids are learning to market themselves — and why they're looking to celebrities and porn stars first From Predators to Cyber-Bullies: How to help your kids protect themselves
A middle school and high school teacher, I spend my days teaching English and, of course, mediating MySpace-related dramas among my students. As a co-founder of a private high school in California , I hold an MA from Loyola Marymount University and have more than 200 hours of professional development in education and teen counseling. I am an evaluator for the College Board's Advanced Placement program, the S.A.T., and the U.S. Department of Education. I live with my husband and two children in Los Angeles, CA.
