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Resources for Educators

 

Discussion Questions:

The comprehensive discussion questions are divided into seven parts. Questions under each section help promote active discussion of the program. Teachers can use all or some of the discussion questions as a catalyst for writing or media composition assignments, in conjunction with viewing chapters from the documentary. Download the Teacher's Guide now for a full list of questions.

Watching Online:

Growing Up Online is available in streaming video at the FRONTLINE Web site, www.pbs.org/frontline/kidsonline. Click on "Watch the Full Program Online" to access each chapter.

Part 1: Internet in the Home. Viewers are introduced to Morris City, N.J., where most teens spend time online talking with friends on social networking sites, playing games and doing homework. Parents appear to be absent from these virtual worlds. Use these questions with the program chapter titled Living Their Lives Essentially Online.

Part 2: Digital Media in Schools. At school, teachers are dealing with using new technologies in the classroom. Some teachers are eager adopters of technology, while others are hesitant and feel uncomfortable. Use these questions with the program chapter A Revolution in Classrooms and Social Life.

Part 3: Social Networking -- Keeping in Touch. Today, kids "hang out" and talk with friends in virtual spaces through instant messaging, text messaging, chat rooms and social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Use these questions with the program chapter A Revolution in Classrooms and Social Life.

Part 4: Identity Play. Jessica Long, the shy girl next door, creates a new identity online as the popular Autumn Edows. The Internet allows young people to express themselves, experiment with different perspectives, and play with aspects of their identity. Use these questions with the program chapter Self Expression, Trying On New Identities.

Part 5: Parenting, Privacy and Control. Parents are challenged in managing their kids' media use and are anxious about online predators, what their kids post online, and whether their kids are engaging in harmful online behavior. Use these questions with the program chapters The Child Predator Fear and Private Worlds Outside Parents' Reach?

Part 6: Online Relationships -- Healthy or Unhealthy? Some teens, such as Sara and Ryan Halligan, experienced the Internet in ways that were damaging. Sara was drawn to support sites for eating disorders, while Ryan experienced harassment through cyberbullying. In both cases, parents did not realize what was going on in their kids' online worlds. Use these questions with the program chapters Private Worlds Outside Parents' Reach? and Cyberbullying.

Part 7: Post-Viewing. The program ends with high school graduation and some changes. Sara has received help for her eating disorder; Greg decides itÕs time to disconnect from the Internet as he starts college; and Autumn Edows' parents are now supportive of her online identity. How do parents and teens better understand life online? Use these questions with the program chapter Updates.