Today the concerns of teens in trouble are weapons possession, cutting (a form of self mutilation) and huffing (a form of ingesting inhalants like household cleaners used to get high.) In addition to these, we have gang rituals, hazing gone mad, and teens photographing themselves naked and sending them to everyone.
Then we have the sexting (some sick phone sex game using texting) and of course the internet which allows predators and alike into your home. Then of course we have the friend with benefits phase, where kids think it is okay to perform sex acts with people just because they ask and dont forget the choking game (choking yourself or someone else, so you can nearly pass out and get a rush from it).
It is to say the least a time or immorality and utter chaos.
My boyfriend and I have surprisingly different social, political, and as I learned recently, religious views. I once kept him up until 4am until he admitted that US torture is in no way helpful and is ethically wrong. I'm sure he really enjoyed it. Hey, at least it wasn't boring.
And we were in chicken suits.
Children must be given permission to open any social networking account. Be sure to have an open and honest dialogue with your child about their intentions and expectations in social networking. This will give you great insight into where your child stands in their social development.
Are they joining a social networking site to fit in with the cool kids? Are they lonely and looking for friends? Are they a follower or a leader? Get an idea of what your child wants to share and set rules in place for appropriate use. Even further, you should sit with them as they set up their account, giving you full access to their passwords and control over what your child posts publically.