Dear FRONTLINE,

As a psychotherapist who has worked primarily with teens for 15 years, and a mother of three young adults in their 20s, I want to say your program captured the essence of the struggles faced by kids and parents. The internet does not cause pathology in and of itself, but it can certainly accelerate and enable it. I have seen many kids tormented by vicious bullying, and act out sexually in very destructive ways. The net can also be a tool for many positives. My kids introduced me to blogging ("social networking") when it first started, and we made blogs together. We've enjoyed online gaming together. In a nutshell, we enjoy eachother. If communication is positive in the family and relationships are close and non-judgmental, there is far less tendency for kids to try to act out dark secrets or personas, online or in "real" life.

Pamela Shavaun Scott
San Luis Obispo, CA

Dear FRONTLINE,

After watching "Growing Up Online" some of the things that were said really affected me.Firstly the mother that posted the email to all the parents about what the kids did going to the rock concert, I agree with the parent that said what do you expect. If you allow your teenager to go to a rock concert on the skytrain with a bunch of other kids thats exactly whats going to happen. They are teenagers after all.Secondly I identified with the man that lost his son to suicide from bullying. This is a very serious matter in our school system and on the internet. Children and young adults in this day are so cruel, if only they realized the damage that they do to these children they bully. One year ago my teenage son also attenpted suicide by hanging, they told me at the hospital that I found him just in time. It is not something I would wish on any parent, believe me. He was being bullied terribly at school. The funny thing is that after he was released from hospital after two months in an adolscent psychiatric ward the kids at school are now very nice to him, and he has made some good friends. He received a card at the hospital signed by many of the kids that he went to school with. It's almost like they feel guilty for what almost happened. Why can't they realize this before things like this happen, you hear stories of children that do horrible things all because of being bullied. This is an issue that needs to be addressed.

vancouver, bc

Dear FRONTLINE,

I am the grandmother of 12,...

Personally, I take a dim view of the amount of time kids are allowed to be online at all.

And quite frankly, glad I don't have the responsibility of raising teen's now. With the new technology, everyone is so "swept up" in it all, it's sad they cannot carry on a decent conversation with others, except: yeah; huh; what; nah.....

I encourage all parents to do the best within their ability to interact with their children from a Very young age, and like other potential dangers/influences in life....to try and safeguard every angle possible....and to accomplish in their children's lives to be creative; enlightened; challenged for more brain power information etc.

Say, when's the last time you all were involved with a Real Family activity? Am I "old fashion" and not "up with the times"...you think? But you know what, as parents, we have the moral obligation, power, ability to direct our children to the best possible outcome in their lives. Challenge yourselves parents....to continue in this direction daily. Good luck to all! A Wonderful Program, recommended to all families. Thanks Producers!! Grama D.

Dee Chadwick
Ft. Mohave,, AZ

Dear FRONTLINE,

As a 20 year old Computer Science student, this episode allowed me to understand what many parents see the Internet as; a safe haven for malicious people, and mis-conduct. It is often misconceived that the Internet is a dangerous place for our children to occupy. The fact is that the Internet is by far the broadest reference book known to man.

Social networks only make up a small portion of the Internet, leaving much for our children to discover. With the big social networks like facebook, myspace, and xanga, one can rest assured that these servers are quite secure and their/your personal information is not likely to be stolen. Young teens should be educated by their parents that the Internet is just like the real world, and that one should follow the same guidelines (don't talk to strangers, don't pick a fight you don't wish to finish, etc). Most online communities allow their users to keep others from viewing their information without consent first. Parents should become more aware of how the websites function that their children often visit, and question them as to if they have take the proper precautions.

Explain to them that if you allow everyone to view their profiles that contain phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses, they could be exploited by a dangerous person(this information is not always posted by users). If you don't make your child think you are monitoring their every move online, they will be less likely to take precautions like using a computer not on your home network. Parents should understand that google.com and wikipedia.org are wonderful tools that will clarify most questions they have.

As for parents wanting access to their child's accounts on various social networks, few will have success. Obviously my opinion on several matters here will probably be ignored by many parents who believe the scare tactics that we hear on a nearly daily basis simply due to the fact that I am one of "those kids" who doesn't understand the parents point of view.

I implore that you please consider how often you hear good news on television these days, and think that maybe the wonderful things that occur simply don't make the news. We live in a society today where free speech and freedom of expression is nearly the truth in the United States and throughout the world due to the Internet. As a society we should become more aware of other's ideas and beliefs, and respect them for what they are. Finally, parents should always have a healthy relationship with there children and support their decisions; we all made mistakes along the way, try to explain your mistakes in a modern approach that can be understood by the "Online Generation."

Brady Deetz
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Dear FRONTLINE,

I have trouble believing that an intelligent woman like Mrs "Chatham" hasn't figured out a way to view her children's Facebook pages.

They are essentially public and if hundreds or thousands of their "friends" can see it, then surely she doesn't need to get her children to give her a password to see what they have put online.

She was 100% correct to let the whole school know what went on at the concert that night. To have that information and not share it with other parents would be incredibly irresponsible. I feel her pain at her son's withdrawal, but it only shows just how immature teenagers can be and how desperately they still need our guidance.

I look at my own daughter's websites on a regular basis. She has several and she changes them and employs various methods to make it difficult, but so far I have been able to view most of them- I think. I'm not internet savvy, I just learn what I need to try to keep up with what my child is doing online.

Beavercreek, OH

Dear FRONTLINE,

It was amusing to watch this program because it insinuated a polarization between a person's online/offline world that I haven't experienced. I'm 24 and have had my own computer & internet access since I was 13 - back then social networking sites didn't exist and parents (mine at least) were completely clueless to the concept of a virtual life. I managed to navigate chat rooms and instant messenger without resorting to extreme behavior, like most in my generation. If parents or older people are still struggling to figure out the internet then they simply aren't taking advantage of the plethora of resources out there. This piece, while interesting, was produced with an angle that didn't provide a fair glance across the spectrum of what it means to 'grow up online'. Nice try though. One funny tidbit - I have to admit one of my first instincts was to Facebook/MySpace those shown in the broadcast.

Esther Brady
Milwaukee, WI

Dear FRONTLINE,

Great show... However I am surprised how many adults are amazed about what is going on with their children.

I work in a computer lab with middle school students all the time and when I catch them doing things on the computer that they know they shouldn't be doing they look at me like How do you know that old man... all it takes is to understand what you had when you were a kid and what they have now... and remember it will soon be their world not ours...it's not all bad ...

but it takes work to understand the youth of today and what they are facing,

charles newberry
holbrook, arizona

Dear FRONTLINE,

One could argue that each generation is faced with its own unique circumstances that come with an ever-changing world, so what makes this new. However, thinking back, when I was 12/13 and already depressed and frankly suicidal, cyberbullying might have been the last straw.

I think your program at the very least gives some insight on the pervasiveness of "growing up online" and the need for parents to be in tune and pay attention to their children like never before.

S. K,
Chicago, IL

Dear FRONTLINE,

Excellent program!

I am a parent of 3 children - 16, 18 and almost 20. I realized that my issues with the Internet go beyond online predators and inappropriate content. I am concerned with the way the Internet has changed the learning styles of students.

I understand that methods of teaching change to keep up with society and technology however "hands on" now means fingers to the keyboard. Students don't have to look at each other..don't have to verbally interact...it all happens on a monitor. I believe that true learning takes place when all the senses are involved - what are we losing by catering to the technology needs of students?

Attention spans seem to be shorter and spontaneity is disapperaing. I felt terrible for the teacher who said her time has come and gone.

Philadelphia, PA

Dear FRONTLINE,

After watching "Growing Up Online" I'm sad and frightened. One of the mothers interviewed as part of the show, Evan, is my hero. She has taken the road less traveled this day in age. The pervasive attitude that what will be will be and we must roll with the changes is pathetic. There has to be a way to enjoy the benefits of the internet without giving into the over indulgence and lack of self control by the young people portrayed.

Anne Hansen
Phoenix, AZ

Dear FRONTLINE,

I am a college student who just watched this online, thinking it seemed like an interesting, intelligent take on internet culture. Sadly, I was proved wrong.

While I suppose it did a good job of warning completely ignorant parents and teachers of the dangers of the internet, it ignored the benefits. For every page encouraging a child to commit suicide, there are at least two that discourage it and suggest alternative methods of dealing with pain.

As a young gay teen, the internet was the first place I went to deal with my sexuality, and it played an invaluable role in helping me accept who I am in the real world, offline.

In all your warnings against the dangers of the internet, you have forgotten how much it helps us.

R Z
Brooklyn, New

Dear FRONTLINE,

I enjoyed the broadcast tonight, but I would like to mention that, as a teenager, there are many young adults like myself that do not engulf themselves in the internet. Yes, I have a facebook, but i found myself using it only when i don't actually have time to interact or communicate with my friends directly.

Many of my friends, who are considered quite popular do not have facebook, and live; they run, spend time with family, homework and friends.

Perhaps in a future updated show, you would consider interviewing this "other side" of teenagers, which use the internet as a tool to communicate more efficiantly than previous generations have.

Falls Church, VA

Dear FRONTLINE,

The sword cuts both ways, and the program focused on the darker edge of the online blade. If a teen can find a site that advises him on the best way to commit suicide; if a girl can find a place on the Web that exalts eating disorders, then it can be assumed that teens will go to places online to work through problems. They will find places to help each other positively.

If we can get past our current fear of our kids' poor choices, we can turn our attention to building those places online that support their best choices. In this way we can make the sword a tool.

Brian Massey
Austin, Texas

Dear FRONTLINE,

Thank you for opening up this discussion. As Unschoolers, we use the internet extensively for all types of research, games and communication. It hasn't stopped any of my kids from picking up a good book nor going outside to ride a horse. It's just one more resource amongst many we have available.

Vicki Gray
Deland, Fl

Dear FRONTLINE,

Wow, what a great broadcast! My thoughts, concerns, questions and lack of knowledge about these issue like most young adults or parents has become even more intrigued after view the "Growing Up Online" broadcast. After, reading numerous comments I understand the concerns and will take a more active role in educating myself, todays youth and parents. As a Juvenile Probation Officer I deal with these issues daily. Unfortunately, I don't see a quick fix or answer to many of these issues. However, after viewing this broadcast I feel I have taken the first step in educating myself so that I may help others.Thanks for broadcasting this information and I hope you broadcast it again soon.

Jamie Thomas
Doylestown, OH