Get off the computer and stop that social networking

Kids today are flocking to their computers in record numbers. Social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace have become the primary source of social contact for teens in the after school hours when many parents would prefer to see them working away on the night's homework.

The precursor to these full fledged networks are sites like Club Penguin and Webkinz that cater to the younger crowd of 7-9 year olds. Although the set up is different, penguins and furry animals compared to pokes and graphic Wall posts, the rules are the same. Come one, come all to a common place where you can meet new friends and connect.

Vanessa Van Petten shared a few interesting points about kids, social networking and how parents can stay ahead of the technology curve as a guest on Sarah Newton's radio talk show yesterday. Her generation Y perspective bridges the gap between many parents and their millennium generation kids.