The Rise of the Tween Blogger

Parents often worry that the Internet, with its porn, Chatroulette, and generally unmonitored public forums, is corrupting their children. But granting your kids a little more digital freedom can have some benefits. A recent article in The Independent profiles tweens who are using blogs as an outlet for their ideas and writing. These young bloggers demonstrate that the Internet can act as a positive forum and distribution, allowing young writers to find an audience.

Take Maelo, for example. At only 11 she has two blogs, one of which comments on England's politics:

Maelo Manning, who turned 11 last week, says she likes to air her views. So much so that she has two blogs - after all, they are free to set up. "It's fun to say stuff about what you're thinking, especially about politics." Her Lib demchild blog (libdemchild.blogspot.com) dispels the notion that politics is just for grown-ups, and she made some cogent points about the lack of affordable childcare in one recent post, which she used to bemoan Westminster Council's decision to shut a free play scheme.

So parents, maybe if you let your kids roam the Internet, they too can become young political commentators. Imagine how great that will look on college applications.

Read the full story at The Independent. 

This article available online at:

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2010/08/the-rise-of-the-tween-blogger/62255/