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Some adults get it…
September 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Our community awoke yesterday morning to the horrific news that four high school boys from a neighboring community had been killed in a car crash the evening before. While alcohol appears to not be a factor, the loss of these popular young men is just so tragic.
On my way to work this morning, CBC radio was interviewing a few of their friends as to the mood at school and in their social circles. One young lady mentioned that, while there were grief counsellors at the school, the kids didn’t want to talk to them, preferring to talk to each other. They mentioned that many kids were talking at school and continuing those conversations at home via text, IM and facebook.
Then, the host began an interview with a local child psychologist. The host began by noting that there might be a concern that these young people might not be getting the help they needed, painting an image of young people holed up in their rooms in front of their computers, alone and distraught.
Immediately, the psychologist jumped in to correct him. He pointed out that, in fact, just the opposite was true. Our youth are the most connected generation in history. They are constantly in contact with their friends, and the grieving process that continues for these young people through their computers and cell phones is just as real and valid as any we adults may have experienced. In fact, their makeshift memorials to their friends on facebook and other SN sites speak loudly to who they are – a digital generation who have grown up, understand and are comfortable with these tools as part of their conversations.
The fact is, our children are inventing this stuff through their use of the tools. They decide when and how communication is appropriate and effective for them, and will not be limited by the misconceptions of adults who don’t understand.
These young people are learning to grieve. Their form of grieving may not match our experiences, but make no mistake, they are connected to their friends, sharing their experiences – probably even moreso that we might imagine.
tags: whipple, technology, education
