Teens as a Technology Force

(image credit)

Martin Cisneros posted this on Google+:

What you REALLY want kids to do with tech:-)

Let's look at what Pew research on Teens and Technology 2013 says:

• 78% of teens now have a cell phone, and almost half (47%) of them own smartphones. That translates into 37% of all teens who have smartphones, up from just 23% in 2011.
• 23% of teens have a tablet computer, a level comparable to the general adult population.
• 95% of teens use the internet.
• 93% of teens have a computer or have access to one at home.

“The nature of teens’ internet use has transformed dramatically — from stationary connections tied to shared desktops in the home to always-on connections that move with them throughout the day,” said Mary Madden, Senior Researcher for the Pew Research Center’s Internet Project and co-author of the report. “In many ways, teens represent the leading edge of mobile connectivity, and the patterns of their technology use often signal future changes in the adult population.”

So teens aren't just using technology and the internet a lot: They're paving the way! It makes sense, then, to harness this force and encourage them for the greater social good.  I especially like:  start conversations, change minds, and drive change.

I have a working concept in mind - Stop Bullying - and in the spirit of this terrific delineation and exhortation from Cisneros, I plan to actively engaging teens.  It's a video initiative, and one that tap into where teens are: at school, with friends, on social media, in sports, behind the car.  Let's see how I can initiate this.

Thank you for reading, and let me know what you think!

Ron Villejo, PhD