So attention deficit is common and problematic for many in the last two decades. However do social media avenues such as Facebook and Twitter enable or occupy your child’s time in an obviously over saturated venue called cyberspace? Social media present risks and benefits to children but parents who try to secretly monitor their kids’ activities online are wasting their time, according to a presentation at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

I mean I’m on Facebook and use it as my networking tool, but what gives?

Larry D. Rosen, PhD, professor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills explains his point of view:

“While nobody can deny that Facebook has altered the landscape of social interaction, particularly among young people, we are just now starting to see solid psychological research demonstrating both the positives and the negatives.”

Supposedly Facebook can be distracting and can negatively impact learning. Studies found that middle school, high school and college students who checked Facebook at least once during a 15-minute study period achieved lower grades.

The new research states that online social networking can help introverted adolescents learn how to socialize behind the safety of various screens, ranging from a two-inch smart phone to a 17-inch laptop.

Social networking can provide tools for teaching in compelling ways that engage young students thought according to experts.

Rosen continues:

“If you feel that you have to use some sort of computer program to surreptitiously monitor your child’s social networking, you are wasting your time. Your child will find a workaround in a matter of minutes. You have to start talking about appropriate technology use early and often and build trust, so that when there is a problem, whether it is being bullied or seeing a disturbing image, your child will talk to you about it. Communication is the crux of parenting. You need to talk to your kids, or rather, listen to them. The ratio of parent listen to parent talk should be at least five-to-one. Talk one minute and listen for five.”

So the point is, according to the study, is to use those parental controls, don’t let your offspring run amuck and be as involved in your child’s life as possible.

However, is this censorship of the open opportunity for kids to develop and grow?

Censorship is defined as the control of the information and ideas circulated within a society and has been a hallmark of dictatorships throughout history. In the 20th Century, censorship was achieved through the examination of books, plays, films, television and radio programs, news reports, and other forms of communication for the purpose of altering or suppressing ideas found to be objectionable or offensive. The rationales for censorship have varied, with some censors targeting material deemed to be indecent or obscene; heretical or blasphemous; or seditious or treasonous. Thus, ideas have been suppressed under the guise of protecting three basic social institutions: the family, the church, and the state.

Not all censorship is equal, nor does all arise from government or external force. People self-censor all the time; such restraint can be part of the price of rational dialogue. This applies to parents and their responsibilities…their offspring. Interpreting the rules is really up to the parent.

Written by Sy Kraft