Impact Of Social Networks On Children And Adolescents - Book Report/Review Example

Impact Of Social Networks On Children And AdolescentsWhat you think the main idea of the readingis, and WHY you think that is the main ideaKari Henly wrote the article entitled “Schoolchildren Are Not Ready for Social Networking” with the purpose of presenting the main idea that children and adolescents are not mature enough to be equipped with the level of preparedness for using social networking sites [Hen11]. The reason why one thinks that this is the main idea is that subsequent support were appropriately presented to validate this contention.

For instance, Henly noted that there have been noted incidences of cyber bullying through the use of social networking sites that evidently led to an exacerbation of teen-aged problems (depression, anxiety, and even deaths). Likewise, the author also asserted that the schoolchildren’s stages of development from childhood to adolescent is considered a critical stage where various inputs, information, skills, abilities should be developed. Contemporary schoolchildren, who increasingly relied on social networking as predominantly encompassing much of their spare time, were revealed to be losing opportunities to develop diverse skills, to wit: “the skills your child learns during adolescence; like sports, dancing, music or academics become hard wired.

Other skills that are not being used will fall away…” [Hen11]. Replacing physical activities and endeavors traditionally undertaken in the external environment by sitting in front of the computer to delve into social networking apparently fails to develop much needed skills to contribute to a more holistic growth and development. All of these reasons support Henly’s main point that school children are not mature and prepared enough for social networking.Whether you agree or disagree with the author’s perspective and WHY One only partially agrees with the author’s perspective that school children are not ready for social networking for the following reasons: (1) the author stated her argument which apparently encompasses all school children; which is totally baseless and inaccurate; (2) no statistical information from a reliable source was cited to affirm any significant figures that could validate her arguments.

For instance, she noted that “while new Internet-based networking sites can be challenging for all users, children and teenagersmight not yet have the maturity to use them properly, hurting friends and fellow students unintentionally” [Hen11]. This statement is presumptive to declare that that all children and teenagers ‘might not yet’ have the maturity to use (social networking) properly. This is a very loaded statement that would only be convincing if appropriate statistical information or secondary research would disclose what percent of the school children’s population (globally or nationally) is deemed immature to handle social networking applications effectively.

This is also very difficult to measure. For one, the level of maturity of children differs according to the individual’s upbringing and all factors that contribute to maturity. Some children could be noted to mature at much faster paces, levels and depth that make them holistically prepared to face various challenges and trials in life. Secondly, as observed in contemporary generation, school children are more technically adept at using online applications with greater ease and competencies.

The noted disadvantages of too much reliance and dependence on social networking were actually taken in context. Apparently, anything that is delved into in an excessive manner is always detrimental. However, Henly failed to provide more credible and reliable support to convince the readers that school children are not prepared for social networking.Work CitedHenley, Kari. "Schoolchildren Are Not Ready for Social Networking." Are Social Networking Sites Harmful?Ed. Stefan Kiesbye. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011.

AtNetworking Sites Harmful?Issue. Rpt. from "Facebook and Kids: Are Their Brains Ready for Social Networking?" Huffington Post. 2009. Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 28 April 2013.