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Me, MySpace, and I: Parenting the Net Generation
Author: Larry D. Rosen
Amazon info

It took me a long time to read this book - perhaps it is one of those things that is difficult to read, but important to do so? The book is a good introduction to the concept of social networking, online friends, and how teenagers live in a world that is a mix of real and virtual. While the book points out the dangers of the virtual world, it concludes (correctly I believe) that if managed correctly, the virtual world offers some very good opportunities for teens.

Management is the key and that is all part of being a good parent. Maybe that is why the book was hard to read - just like management books were hard for me to read while managing - I would always find dozens of things I should be doing better.

Rosen has his PhD in psychology and his statements are backed up by theory, they are not merely anecdotal. The book also includes interviews with outside experts. Of course my favorite piece of advice - keep computers (and TVs) out of bedrooms!

Recommended for all parents of tweens/teens - even parents that are tech savvy.