93% of teens of age 12-17 are using the internet.

I was approached by Doreen Nicastro, a social media strategist in some of the same fields that I work in. She has created a V-Book (video book) which explains in a thorough overview of social media, privacy, security meant for parents looking how to protect their kids. She describes how social media has and is becoming a revolution nowadays and presents the statistics. Many kids don’t know what they are doing online, and it is important to know the dos and don’ts of using these social networks. This v-book covered all of the important parts and what you need to know about social networking online in a safe environment and how to make it still a fun and enjoyable experience but not harmful. I liked seeing Doreen referencing other reliable and noteworthy sources and reports that she found in her research from other people to back up her advice, statements, and information provided in the video. She describes how social media has changed, what it has become, and the current trends. A great point that she said was, “A phone is not a phone anymore, it is now a texting device.” She also talks about how parents can talk to their kids about this topic of social media and the internet, and how to help their kids navigate these sites.

You can purchase the V-Book which is available online at http://compuworks.myvbookstore.com/have-you-googled-your-child-s-name.html for $19.95.

Chapter 1 is available for viewing on YouTube for free, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xyyXOXuols&feature=player_embedded

The chapters of the V-Book are as follows:

Join the Social Media Revolution

Video Call Parent Alert

1. •The Social Media Revolution
   

2. •A Mother's Plea
   

3. •You Want to do WHAT to My Daughter?
   

4. •Taking a Stand: Parent Alert
   

5. •Social Networking, Kids and Cyber-Trends
   

6. •Facebook Security Settings
   

7. •Best Practices, Monitors and Controls
   

8. •Take a Values-Based Approach to Social Networking