New Media Made Easy: Wikis, RSS, & Twitter Defined

Back up the train. When I started Shaping Youth, I’d been writing in very basic form for the now dormant Common Sense Media blog, using easy explanations to discuss how commercialism and digital ads were influencing kids at undetected levels far off parental radar. Since then, Shaping Youth has evolved to a deeper level of analysis of media messaging, and I realize I … [Read more...]

“Can I Sit With You?” The Stormy Social Seas of the Schoolyard

Is it a book? Is it a blog? A social media community? This poignant (book and blog) called, "Can I Sit With You?" The Stormy Social Seas of the Schoolyard, is an innovative example of using new media on a mission to further important work by taking a traditional linear book publishing format and turning it into an ongoing Web 2.0 ‘shared experience.’ The title … [Read more...]

New Teen Author Helps Peers Understand ADHD

Update 2/18: (Taking the holiday off, will post part two of the series tmrw!)--- Kids DO listen to kids. No secret there. We use this fact in our counter-marketing tactics at Shaping Youth all the time...But what happens when 18-year old Blake Taylor turns the spotlight on himself (see today's S.F. Chronicle article) to debunk myths, elevate the conversation, and turn … [Read more...]

Fun, Free Virtual Valentines Trump Pricey Pink Ipod Nanos

Or not…But let’s face it, Apple can plunk pink posies on a hot little screen and I’m still not kickin’ in $200 smackeroos even if it IS as their e-note says, “love at first sight.” (Cute promo though) Maybe a $15 itunes gift card…or a $5 hot pink cell gel case on ebay, but sheesh, since when did ‘pink think’ for kids … [Read more...]

Shaping Youth’s “Blogging With A Purpose” Award

As many of you know, I usually dodge the blog award lists of badges and accolades (bloggies, vloggies, webbies etc.) since analytics show it’s more of a popularity poll equating to ‘who has the most sophisticated viral marketing team.’ (yes, my skeptical marketing side is showing, as I tend to think these things are a bit ‘gamed’)… But when … [Read more...]