A Warning About Our Tech Generation Kids

Our kids are living in a tech generation. Unlike the generations of the past they communicate almost entirely using technology. Instead of passing hand written notes, they send text messages, instead of spray painting graffiti on bridges they write on each others’ Facebook walls, and even some of the youngest of them communicate via cell phone instead of begging for their own phone line at home. They have access to the Internet unlike any generation of the past and as a result of all of this their lives are more public than generations past as well.

Sometimes, so much so, that it is scary. They lack privacy. They lack security. They often take BIG risks, never even giving it a second thought. When I was a kid, my parents encouraged me to “think before you speak.” We must teach the kids of this tech generation to think before they hit send, before they post, before they click. Because in this instant world, they could ruin their future . . . in an instant! It really is that dangerous.

We must teach our kids to “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)

The following are a few statistics about this generation:

“An insurance poll found that 67% of teens admitted to texting while driving at high speed, and 37% of teens admitted to having been “extremely distracted” by texting,in some cases leading to close calls or significant accidents.” Mobile-Spy.com

“44 percent of children polled have visited x-rated sites or sites with sexual content. Moreover, 43 percent of children said they do not have rules about Internet use in their homes.”
(Time/CNN Poll, 2000)

“According to the results of a survey released today by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com, 22 percent of all teen girls — and 11 percent of teen girls ages 13-16 years old —say they have electronically sent, or posted online, nude or semi-nude images of themselves.” (MSNBC.com)
In 2006, Megan Meier, a young girl from Missouri, committed suicide after being a victim of online bullying and harassment which took the form of impersonation.”(“MySpace Mom linked,” 2007).

As parents we do not want our own kids to become a part of these statistics. There are things that parents can do to secure their children. Acknowledging that the issues are out there and that your kid could be vulnerable is the first step. Now, be proactive, take action and make sure that your kid is secure.

Visit our new site Pro-Tech the Kids.com to learn more and to sign up for more info on our upcoming Pro-Tech the Kids Workshop.

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