A realistic approach to kids and the internet

This is a really great idea:

Josephson Institute accepts as an irreversible reality that kids will send text and video messages wirelessly and use the Internet extensively -- and will do so more and more. Its strategy is to become so proficient in these new technologies that it can harness them in the service of its mission to improve kids' lives by strengthening their character and decision-making skills.

Josephson invited the Character Counts community to vote on a name for a new positive Web site that would be designed by and for kids. They selected www.Mylife24-7.org.

Now, with the aid of a national cadre of student ambassadors, Josephson is building a place in cyberspace where kids can connect, reflect and evolve in a safe and positive setting -- a place you'll want your kids to go because they'll grow.

With social networking becoming such an integral part of our society, and with no sign the trend is going to change any time in the near or far future, this is an idea waiting to be embraced. As it stands, education as a whole has too little involvement with teaching kids responsible online usage.

As I noted in Just the beginning, the ramifications of not providing that guidance could be staggering in the future. Hats off to Austin Public Schools for being a leader in helping kids manage the online minefield toward a better future for all.