If Ask.FM taught the world anything, it was that teenagers and the ability to remain anonymous cannot be mixed. In the summer of 2013, the popular Q&A web site became known worldwide after a series of bullying related suicides. Despite the public outcry, the site's developers refused to aide in the investigation into instances of … Continue reading Yik Yak (Don’t Come Back!)
bullying
What Parents Should Know About Yik Yak
We're back with the "What Parents Should Know" series. This entry is ripped straight from the headlines in my own backyard after a pair of bomb threats caused Marblehead High School caused an evacuation. This isn't the first issue schools are having with the app as rumors of violence and instances of cyberbullying are running … Continue reading What Parents Should Know About Yik Yak
Open Letter from Ask.fm
The following is re-posted from Ask.fm's web site. The original content can be found at http://ask.fm/open_letter.html Thursday, 8 August. We would firstly like to again express our sincerest sympathies to the family of Hannah Smith, whose death was a true tragedy. As we explained to the press earlier this week, as soon as we heard … Continue reading Open Letter from Ask.fm
What Parents Should Know About Ask.FM
This week continues my regular series "What Parents Should Know." This week's entry was prompted by recent events. Have something you’re wondering about? Send me a message and I’ll do my best to find an answer: info@joshgunderson.com Following the August 2 suicide of Hannah Smith, parents have become very concerned about their kids using the … Continue reading What Parents Should Know About Ask.FM
ABC Family’s ‘The Fosters’
ABC Family has a way with shows and their new show The Fosters is rich with teenage strife, LGBT issues and kids dealing with the foster system. If you have not watched up through Episode 5, this is your spoiler alert so stop reading now. Jude is the younger brother of Callie, who the two-mom … Continue reading ABC Family’s ‘The Fosters’
What Parents Should Know About Tumblr
This week's question comes from a parent in Florida. Have something you’re wondering about? Send me a message and I’ll do my best to find an answer: info@joshgunderson.com It's become impossible to go a day without hearing or seeing something about Tumblr. The guy sitting next to me in Starbucks is surfing the site as … Continue reading What Parents Should Know About Tumblr
Pixar’s Lesson on Bullying: It’s For The Birds
It is a very well known fact that I am nothing if not a massive Disney nut! I love everything about Disney and the Pixar branch of the studios is no exception. From their shorts to their full-length features, there is a wonderful lesson to be learned. Pixar's short film "For The Birds" teaches viewers … Continue reading Pixar’s Lesson on Bullying: It’s For The Birds
The Bullying of Marissa Powell (Miss Utah)
Imagine for a moment: you’re on stage in front of thousands of people. Hot lights are shining down on you. Around three million people around the world are watching you on their televisions. Put yourself in that position. You’re in it to win it. Put yourself there. Now answer a random question read to you … Continue reading The Bullying of Marissa Powell (Miss Utah)
Demi Lovato: The Right Kind of Role Model
I'm not going to try to hide it, I'm a big fan of Demi Lovato. I'm listening to "Heart Attack" as I write this. I think her music is a lot of fun without being too bubble-gum pop and too risqué. I'm an even bigger fan of her as a person. There are very few … Continue reading Demi Lovato: The Right Kind of Role Model
Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In Schools?
I stumbled across a poll this morning that asked this very question. It wasn't the poll itself that piqued my interest but the comments that followed. The issue seems to be a hot button topic among parents and students and some of the posts really had me surprised! Students that said "no, cell phones shouldn't … Continue reading Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In Schools?
Breaking Down Digital Walls 