Three Reasons for Kids to Blog
Blogging can improve communication skills in children

(From JUL/AUG 2005 ParentGuide)

No matter how frequently you hear the word, it still sounds like a creature from one of those old Saturday afternoon horror movies - BLOGS. But despite its strange name, blogs are the latest online trend, and there doesn ’t seem to be any escaping them.

Blogs, the shortened version of the name web blogs, are an online form of writing that ranges from personal diaries to commentary and information on about any subject imaginable. If this still sounds vague, it is. No one is exactly sure how blogging came about. What is known is that blogging evolved in the mid 1990’s, and the first blog services appeared in 1999. Initially, bloggers wrote about the Internet and technology. Then the phenomenon spread to include diaries and opinions on all facets of life.

Today, thousands of new blogs publish every day. Because so many blog publishing services are free, kids are among the most eager to try this new form of cyber-communication. And the reality is, there are some good reasons for kids to blog.

1. Crash course in writing skills: Since blogs are officially “published ” in cyberspace, children will need to brush up on their basic English skills. This is good news for parents who can’t get Johnny or Sue to do English homework; Chances are they’ll love practicing these writing skills on their new blog.

2. Self Esteem: For many children, the opportunity to actually see their writing published online will build self-confidence and improve self-esteem.

3. Responsibility: The appeal of blogs lies in their freshness (Think:regular updating). That means your budding writer will have to plan an organize his or her time to ensure the blog is updated frequently.

Blogging is also a great way to reinforce research skills as kids need to explore topics to write about,and it’s a good way to enhance technology skills. But parents should exercise some caution with blogging and monitor their child’s blogs to ensure that
no personal or revealing information is included in the blog. Encouraging “safe” cyber-communication is important, but if you do, most likely your child will benefit and grow from his or her blogging experience.