Article Review: Children and Young People's Views on Web 2.0 Technologies.

Summary: This small-scale project focused on young people's personal use of social media such as texting and Facebook and of the potential to use these tools to collect the views of young people and involve them in democracy, their communities and to be monitored local authorities. The main findings indicate that: (1) web 2.0 technologies were used extensively by young people for personal use and expressing opinions, although not all have equal access to it at home; (2) young people are confident and feel safe when using these tools; and (3) "cyber bullying" exists but is rare in the sample group. The report is aimed at local authorities (in the UK), children's services practitioners and all those working with young people. The study’s main question was, “how can web 2.0 technologies help to engage
children and young people in expressing their views about their needs, their concerns and the services offered to them?” Walker examines the data from the point of view of inclusion and democracy. He believes that young people are often more open with their opinions on social media and that social media could give them a voice in a free and democratic society.

Analysis:
This study was done in the United Kingdom which has a significantly different educational system and racial makeup than the United States. In the UK, there is little use for ELL education. Another issue is that of privacy. Though Walker most likely has good intentions, he calls for educators and local authorities to essentially spy on young people’s use of social media such as Facebook. This practice is already controversial in the United States and even in this state. When I volunteered at a local high school, students often complained that teachers and administrators spied on their Facebook accounts. The idea of privacy is different for the young generation as they feel comfortable putting up everything about their lives on social media and they only realize that their privacy may be breeched when someone addresses their postings. Previous generations would not, for example, post their deepest hopes and fears on a billboard or in a newspaper classified section, but that is essentially what young people do with social media every day. Web 2.0 technology is interactive and has a great many benefits, but one problem is that of privacy.

Resources
Rudd, P., Walker, M., & National Foundation for Educational, R. (2010). Children and Young People's Views on Web 2.0 Technologies. LGA Research Report. National Foundation for Educational Research, Retrieved from ERIC database.