On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, Dr. Marilyn Kaye presented a
Colloquium entitled "Teens and the Internet," in which she offered
information about current trends and popular online activities
among adolescents. She highlighted changes in ways that teens
communicate; in particular, she reported that text and instant
messages are replacing phone and in-person contact among teens.
Dr. Kaye also explained that there are significant dangers
online for adolescents. They often provide more information than is
wise; consequences may include junk mail, nuisance calls, and even
identity theft. There are also many active hate groups on the net
geared to exploit teens’ desire to join groups and feel a sense of
belonging. A large number of teens report being contacted by
strangers, and it seems clear that many do not see the danger
inherent in these relationships.
Librarians must consider the appropriate response to these
dangers. Dr. Kaye argues that many governmental efforts, including
filters, are not the answer. She explains that many of these
efforts to protect children end up restricting access to
information, which contravenes librarians’ purposes. Rather Dr.
Kaye suggests that librarians must teach teens to behave safely
online. She argues that we must provide clear and visual
representation of the consequences of unsafe behavior and help
parents to raise awareness. Above all, librarians must show respect
for the world of teens and not try to change or evaluate it.