"That's Not Cool" – a message to teens about stupid ways we use the Internet

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Written By Luke Gilkerson
Categories: Parenting the Internet Generation, Technology, Life, and Culture

"That's Not Cool" – a message to teens about stupid ways we use the Internet

ThatsNotCool.com is the latest site trying to help teens make wise choices about how they use the Internet.

This site addresses the ways teens often use the Internet or cell phones to be controlling. Their message: When someone you’re dating pressures you or disrespects you in the digital world, it’s just as bad as if it is happening in the real world. They call it “digital dating abuse.”

Through creative and humorous videos, teens are given common scenarios and asked what they should do in specific situations. For instance . . .

For Guys: Your friends are pressuring you to text your girlfriend to see if she will send nude pics to you on your cell. What do you do? Text her and see if she does it? Or tell your friends to get lost?
For Girls: Your boyfriend seems like he’s obsessively texting you to find out what you’re doing and where you are. Why can’t he just give you some space? How should you handle it?
For Guys: You see a guy posting a flirtatious comment on your girlfriend’s Facebook page. What do you do about it? Hack into her profile to spy on her? Hire a private detective? Or just ask her what’s going on?
For Girls: You sent a text to your boyfriend the other day, but he didn’t reply. How should you react? Assume he’s cheating on you? Tell him he’s a jerk for not texting back and smash his phone? Or just talk to him and find out what’s going on?

I recommend that parents screen these videos for what is most appropriate for their kids.