By Kate Sommers-Dawes2013-05-12 02:56:53 UTCThe pitfalls for teens who are encountering the social web for the first time are myriad and well-documented. The issue is underscored by this public-service announcement from a Vancouver-based organization warning teens of the dangers of sexting, not to mention the much-discussed scourge of cyberbullying and general oversharing.
As any parent knows, kids aren't naturally inclined to consider the consequences of their impulsive online actions, which can have real repercussions down the line. And in an age where our kids are ever-more connected via the social web, but arguably remain unprepared for the responsibility that come with these connections, one Kickstarter project is looking to help.
"Like driver's ed for the social web," the project website says, "this course will prep tweens for their first Facebook account. With a twist. Parents study, too." It's called HomePage, and it seeks to educate children and parents through an online curriculum that aims to provide both parties with the tools to tackle the social web's most prevalent problems; the snares mentioned, above, as well as academic dishonesty, abusive language and general best practices.
The program's creator is Clay Nichols, chief creative officer at LookOut Social, a collaborative, educational site whose purpose is "to help families work together to be safe online, now and in the future." According to its Kickstarter page, HomePage is "a first step in creating a comprehensive content and technology solution for families living in a highly social, ever-changing, increasingly plugged-in, documented and transparent world."
Depending on what they pledge, backers can receive advance curriculum access, as well as the ability to participate in a series of webinars that aim to supplement program content.
Aiming for a September release, the project has already surpassed its funding goal of $10,000. For more on the educational-outreach tool and social-web responsibility for teens, check out the video, above.
Image courtesy of iStockphoto,ChrisHepburn
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