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Digital Nation is a new, open source PBS project that explores what it means to be human in an entirely new world -- a digital world. It consists of this Web site as well as a major FRONTLINE documentary to be broadcast on Feb. 2, 2010.

I'm surprised by this review of the Frontline program. I would have thought Eric would have been more critical. I agree that it's an important show to watch; however, I was concerned with a few things. One, I was concerned with the portrayal of a "helicopter" mom who wanted her kids' social networking passwords in case of emergency and I was also concerned about the kid who very cavelierly said he never read books. I also really wondered about parents who complained that their kids never turned off their cellphones at dinner time. I need to re-watch this program, but I think there is much here to be discussed that's not about the technology. It's about how we talk to and engage our students and children. It's really easy to blame bad behavior and scary incidents on technology.

[February 08] A summary of each chapter and commentary provided by Eric Grant.

FRONTLINE had developed materials for teachers, parents and kids to accompany Growing Up Online. These resources include downloadable viewing guides for parent and for teachers that includes a seven-part discussion question section, lesson plans for the classroom, resources for building parent-teen online engagement, and a Cyberquiz: "What Kind of Cyber Guide are You?" that explores parents' media management styles.

PBS/Digital Nation provides five focal areas for their latest documentary and multiple sub-topics among them: LIVING FASTER, RELATIONSHIPS, WAGING WAR, VIRTUAL WORLDS and LEARNING. All of the videos are captured at this site for use as future resources. There are also lessons for teachers and a discussion round table where you can leave feedback.

These go with the growing up online series.

Bookmarks from the growing up online series for parents. These are links to the major websites for online safety.

Insightful (and harrowing in places): 7 chapters re online teenagers - a revolution in classrooms and social life - self expression, trying on new identities - the child predator fear - private worlds outside parents' reach? - cyberbullying - updates

"Just how radically is the Internet transforming the experience of childhood?" The program talks with experts in child psychology, teenagers who've created online personalities for themselves, parents, and others who are involved in this restructuring of the childhood experience..."

According to the latest Kaiser Family Foundation data, 8- to 18-year-olds are spending more than 50 hours a week with digital media. That's more than a full work week. Are e-mail, mp3s and the web affecting your child's brain? Dr. Gary Small is the director of UCLA's Memory and Aging Research Center.

New documentaries from the PBC producers of growing up online. Some digiteen teachers are using these resources.