Children and Internet

According to the researchers of the American Academy of Pediatrics, social media sites have created a new phenomenon known as “Facebook depression”. The researchers recently warned parents about the possible dangers of networking websites on their children’s mental health. The report of a co-author Gwenn O’Keefe described the way social interaction is changing: “For some teens, social media is the primary way they interact socially, rather than at home or a friend’s house”, she said. Ms O’Keefe added: “A large part of this generation’s social and emotional development is occurring while on the Internet and on cellphones. Parents need to understand these technologies so they can relate to their children’s online world, and comfortably parent in that world”.

The report says it is essential for parents to be aware of how social media sites can affect children and that the Internet is not always a healthy environment for kids. The writers also urged parents to be on the lookout for cyberbulling, sexting and online predators. They recommended parents take an active role and discuss things like bulling, privacy and feeling down because of what’s happening on Facebook. A recent poll stated that 22 per cent of teenagers log on to a social media site more than 10 minutes a day and more than half at least once a day. However there are reports which say that Facebook helps youngsters, by allowing them to express themselves, and doesn’t isolate them for society.

1) What is your attitude towards social media sites? What’s your favourite one?

2) Should parents control the children’s access to the Internet?

3) What have the researchers recently warned parents about?

4) What should parents be on the lookout for when their children log on to social media sites?

5) What do the researchers recommend to parents?

Task 11. Read and discuss the text. Answer the questions after the text.

Praise and Punishment Go Hand in Hand

Beverly called me last week, upset by her son Scott’s recent activities. Without going into the details, let me say this included a big party in the woods, alcohol, marijuana, lots of kids, cars and more.

As she provided more details about the event she said two things that caught my attention. First, Scott had called his parents for help. He wanted them to help extricate him from the situation that actually showed good judgement. And Scott is adamant that his younger brother does not know what he did wrong to get into this trouble.

Beverly had called to ask me what kind of punishment should be implemented. While I don’t make recommendations like that, I told her that I see an opportunity for praise and for punishment. The praise part really surprised her.

It is just important to tell your teenager what she/he is doing right, as what she/he is doing wrong. In the areas of discipline and limits, our job as parent takes on a new dimension in the teen years. We don’t want to be the ones to make judgements, the goal is to have our kids learn to make good judgements on their own. Praise for good decisions, even in bad situations like this, is very important. It not only provides helpful feedback, it can take the sting out of an unpleasant conversation. This way your discussion becomes more of an objective teaching opportunity. Beverly swears Scott really is a “good kid,” so the tone of the conversation is important. If you come down too hard you may create a teen that sneaks behind your back more and begins to fulfill negative expectations.

As for the punishment, one strategy that often works in situations like this is to ask the teenager what he thinks an appropriate punishment would be. Many times teens will recommend a harsher punishment than you would have.

Remember this – praise and punishment go hand in hand. Even when the situation includes serious misjudgements, look for what you teen did that was right, and praise that.

1) Should parents punish their children? If yes, in which cases?

2) What are the best ways, in your opinion, to praise and to punish children?

3) Should teachers punish their students? If yes, in which way?

4) Do you agree that praise makes children be more interested in learning?

5) What do you think about the statement “Praise in public, punish in private”?

Task 12. Find in the text, translate and learn by heart the following words and word combinations:

1) не вдаваясь в подробности, 2) привлечь чьё-либо внимание, 3) суждение / рассудительность, 4) быть непреклонным, 5) применить наказание, 6) цель, 7) ответная реакция, 8) клясться, 9) делать исподтишка, 10) ошибочное суждение / недооценка.