For many teens, technology has let them define old concepts in new ways. ‘ These new definitions can be worrisome, incomprehensible, even dangerous to librarians and parents. ‘ Yet perhaps it’s time we listen to the kids.
A few years ago, I participated in a project to provide middle schoolers with an online creative outlet. ‘ Co-sponsored by my library system and the local school district, the website was intended to give tweens a voice as well as teach technology practices. ‘ It took the steering committee of librarians from both organizations to establish rules and procedures. ‘ We were concerned about making sure that students’ privacy wasn’t compromised. ‘ We knew that unfortunately, to keep students safe, we had to go for stricter policies. Read More →