Virtual Worlds Luring Children

More and more websites are offering social networking opportunities for young children. Much like MySpace
and Facebook function for teenagers and college students, these sites allow children to connect with
one another and to participate in live chat.

“‘It’s difficult to say whether so much online fantasy is beneficial or harmful to children’, says Dr. David Bickham, Staff Scientist at CMCH. But ‘there’s a lot of potential in both directions,’ he said.

‘While the sites can provide valuable educational tools and ways for children to socialize, ‘those kids might be missing out on the positives that real-world social friendships have,’ Bickham said.”


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