True Surf Alert!   Check to see if your teen has a Blog.   A blog is an online journal that works much like a personal webpage. The difference is that each entry in the blog is dated and made available to anyone on the system or the entire internet.   Since teens use blogs as a journal, many put very personal information on it. This offers strangers a very easy way to find details about your child and be able to contact them!  Most blogs require the applicant to be 21 years old but lack any real way to check the true age of the applicant.   Please note that most teens do not know the danger of blogs. They believe only their friends will care to see what they write. So simply ask your child if they have a blog. If so then check to see the entries he or she has been posting. Teach your teen the dangers of a blog or have it closed.   Please note that some blog entries have to be deleted or they will never go away. Contact the blog administrator for more information.  True Surf

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Blogs for Kids

By: S. Housley

 

Flush out the writer in children. Blogging could draw out a young writer and open doors to their future. Consider encouraging your child to start blogging!

Children love having an audience. The instant recognition and approval that comes from a crowd just can't be beat. Employing blogs to help develop good spelling habits, grammar skills, and develop a love for writing at a young age is an innovative concept that has potential benefits:
 

Benefits

1.) Responsibility/Commitment - Daily Posts
Regular updates require children to be disciplined and responsible.

2.) Communication - Increased Communication with Friends and Relatives
Blogging or journaling gives children the opportunity to connect with relatives who might live some distance away, communicating important timely issues.
 

3.) Technology - Exposure to Internet Technologies
Children are growing into technology-laden world. Exposure to innovative Internet technology will help them with communication skills and résumé-building.

4.) Improved Writing Skills
When presented with an audience, children will want to present their "best" work.

5.) Improved Editing Skills
Proofreading is an important skill that is difficult to teach. Editing of daily entries will help children learn how to present their ideas clearly and professionally.

6.) Improved Spelling
Automated spell-checking helps children be aware of spelling errors when they occur.

7.) Typing
Getting children acquainted with keyboards at a young age will help them become familiar with their layout and function, quickly making them proficient typists.


Resource for Blogging Information - http://www.blog-connection.com

Because blogging involves the Internet, parents and teachers should also take the opportunity to educate youngsters about the dangers of the Internet. The Internet is global in its reach and developing safe Internet habits at a young age is critical. Remind children not to disclose personal information including names, addresses or location of events they plan to attend.

Staying Safe Online - http://www.small-business-software.net/staying-safe-online.htm

About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for the NotePage http://www.notepage.net and FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com product lines. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net