Internet Resources

Parenting Resources

CPYU: Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (Articles, reviews, resources, links, Top 20 lists, all related to current pop culture. Great stuff)

Homeword (Great collection of adolescence-related articles & resources from Jim Burns, one of the founding voices of modern youth & family ministry)

Plugged In (Focus on the Family's media & pop culture ministry. Very helpful for trying to wade through the entertainment world)

Hollywood Jesus (More entertainment world commentary from a spiritual point of view)

Social Networking Sites (the main ones)

Facebook (aimed at HS and up)
* (also, note the Facebook Safety Tips)

Myspace (aimed at MS, HS, and up)
* (also, note the Myspace Tips for Parents)

Bebo (aimed at MS, HS, and up)
* Bebo general safety info

Club Penguin (aimed at 6-14 yr. olds)
* (also, note the Club Penguin Parent Guide)

Barbie Girls (aimed at elem. girls)
* FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
* Note to Parents (leads to Parents Place, where parents can access child's account)
* Online Safety tips

Youth Internet Culture

NetLingo: The Internet Dictionary (Need to know what some acronym/reference you found on IM means? Here you go...)

Trend Central ("trendcentral® provides up-to-the-minute commentary on what's new and noteworthy.")

Ypulse: Media for the Next Generation ("Ypulse is an independent blog for teen/youth media and marketing professionals providing news, commentary and resources...")

Living with Technology (Internet safety resources from CNET.com. Ideas for different age groups)

Cyberbullying Information Sheet (various information and tips on handling internet harassment) *opens as PDF*

Media & Pop Culture
(approach these sites with an open mind! Listen & learn, then ask a teen about what you've seen)

MTV (Remember when MTV used to play music videos?)

SOHH (Comprehensive look at current hip-hop music scene)

Youth Culture Top 10 (CPYU's listing of current pop culture charts)

A Parent’s Guide to Video Games, Parental Controls and Online Safety (opens as PDF - good info to help set up parental controls on several different video game consoles)