Hunger Games: The Movie

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/04/hunger-games-begins-to-fill-out-its-cast.html

*This post existed, with an appropriate picture and awesome, thoughtful, witty text. But Blogger ate it. However, were the text here at this very moment, you'd be impressed.

This was an additional PRL entry just for funsies because I am really excited about the Hunger Games movie, and I think it will be a big deal among tweens and teens to see Katniss brought to the big screen. I was wondering how they will balance the violence in the book on the big screen such that the movie can still appeal to its younger audience.

Boy Crazy?

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/apr/26/not-being-boy-crazy-normal-for-tweens-teens/?partner=yahoo_feeds

*This post existed, with an appropriate picture and awesome, thoughtful, witty text. But Blogger ate it. However, were the text here at this very moment, you'd be impressed. 

(My favorite part of my insight on this post was discussing how if marketing is aiming towards what tween girls actually are, or if we are creating a self-fulfilling, boy-crazy prophecy.)

Cyber-Bullying

http://www.fox8.com/news/nationworld/kcpq-two-tween-girls-may-be-charged-with-cyberstalking-20110420,0,4615712.story?track=rss

*This post existed, with an appropriate picture and awesome, thoughtful, witty text. But Blogger ate it. However, were the text here at this very moment, you'd be impressed. 

I had some really cool insight about information instruction, and teaching our students to be good digital citizens and the seriousness of not being so. I also had a link to the Nickelodeon/common sense media site that discusses cyber bullying.

Tween App Designer

Pint-Sized Programmer

Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/tween-tech-prodigy-12626139 on May 2, 2011.

In this news video, Robert Nay is interviewed regarding his iPhone App 'Bubble Ball' which is currently the #1 downloaded App. Nay went to the public library and created his own App himself, and had he charged for it, he would be a millionaire right now. Nay is currently developing a new App, and is planning to charge for the next one.

I was immediately struck by this story and felt compelled to write about it for a couple of reasons. First, my son loves this game. He downloaded it onto my phone (seriously, my 6 year old can work my phone better than I can). Finding out the game was created by a 12 year old? Really shocked me. Second, I think this makes a great statement about many tweens right now. They're, for the most part, extremely techno-savvy. This kid taught himself in a public library. My son can make my phone do things I can't even make it do. These are the kids we are serving. I think it is important to be aware of these trend right now. Sure, not every kid is going to develop a highly successful app; Nay is definitely exceptional. However, kids are very proficient at these devices. It's a part of the culture, a part of the classroom, and thus a part of the library.

Finally, I love stories about exceptional tweens that are positive. This may be an awkward age, but they are capable of more than maintaining an oily complexion and eye rolling. I think it is important to be aware of the potential we may be dealing with. And apparently, if a kid comes in looking for a programming book? It is critical to help him without judgement. He could be a rich app developer shortly. ;)

Miranda Cosgrove

 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/magazine/mag-27cosgrove-t.html

*This post existed, with an appropriate picture and awesome, thoughtful, witty text. But Blogger ate it. However, were the text here at this very moment, you'd be impressed. 

On this post I discussed the tween queen industries, the pressure Miranda must feel, and how we may be setting ourselves up for constant disappointment by idolizing young girls before they grow up and then casting them aside when they finally start dating and smoking salvia in no particular order.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato: I Have Bipolar Disorder

Cotliar, Sharon. Demi Lovato: I Have Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20483380,00.html

Demi Lovato has recently left a treatment facility, and is now speaking out about her eating disorders and her bipolar disorder. Demi spent three months in a treatment facility, and now explains that she was cutting herself, depressed, and suffering from a variety of eating disorders. Demi was the star of Disney's Sonny with a Chance and also had a very successful vocal career, touring with the Jonas brothers when she abruptly stopped to seek treatment.

I find this story incredibly sad, and though I know it applies to tweens *somehow*, I couldn't exactly figure out what I thought. Is Lovato a bad role model for kids because of all this? Or is Lovato inspiration, humanizing herself and bringing a tween/teen voice to the aforementioned disorders? I'm deciding to go with the positive slant. I think it is sad that she felt such pressure and sadness, possibly a lot of it due to the limelight. However, coming forward and talking about it might help tween/teen girls feeling similar. Lovato was still suffering from her break-up with Joe Jonas, and was crumbling under the pressure to be prettier, successful, etc. While every tween girl may not be dating a JoBro, the feelings are universal. Lovato brings up the point that she needed HELP. Eating disorders, cutting, depression -- these are not normal, acceptable things. If anything, I think her story may inspire young tweens to seek help or help others. Lovato humanizes the 'tween queens'; sometimes this humanizing process is looked down upon or happens in a negative way (a la Miley and salvia), but I feel Lovato's story is real and can be helpful.

Trojans for Tweens

 

Free condoms offered for 11 year olds

Citation: Kenworthy, Pete. Free Condoms Offered for 11 Year Olds. Retrieved from: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/national/free-condoms-offered-for-11-year-olds

This article details the new program offered by the Philadelphia department of health named Take Control Philly that will dispense free condoms to tweens and teens, ages 11-19. The article details young tweens and teens that cut school to have sex, have sex in the bathrooms, or even on the school yard. Philadelphia is having a huge surge of tweens and teens affected by sexually transmitted disease and they're trying to combat these numbers by giving away contraceptives. This movement of course has been met with adversity, with many people outraged that children so young are being handed condoms. Many feel that abstinence should be taught, and many are wondering where adults and parents are when all of this is happening. Many articles and news segments are being written and filmed in opposition to Philadelphia's program. It really is hard to find an objective news piece on this topic.

On one hand, I definitely see both sides. Isn't 11 too young? We're talking about 5th and 6th graders here. Should we be handing them condoms? Is that tantamount to condoning sex for such a young age group? On the other hand, reports in Philadelphia are showing that they are doing it. So, is it better to at least protect them? I personally think that any contraceptives should be paired with proper education about sexual behaviors. Many thing discussing abstinence is unrealistic, however giving information about how sexual activity at too young of an age can be harmful to one's body might be beneficial. I understand those that say throwing free condoms at 11 year olds can be harmful; are we giving tweens permission to engage in sexual activity? In my opinion Philadelphia needs to be ramping up its sexual education programs as much as its contraceptive programs. And maybe even education for parents. I don't disagree with protection, but I think just as much information should be given regarding prevention.

And I do agree with some naysayers; how the heck is this happening on campus?

Resources:

Take Control Philly

http://www.takecontrolphilly.org/

Philadelphia Department of Health

http://www.phila.gov/health/

Bieber Fever

 

Bieber is extra dreamy in 3D 'Never Say Never'

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110211/ap_en_re/us_film_review_justin_bieber

Fine, I can admit this. I've really been looking for an appropriate article on Justin Bieber to include in my professional reading log all along. A couple of weeks ago I was subbing a 7th grade English class and a riot nearly started when I said the words "Justin Bieber". Like it or not, he's HUGE with tweens right now. Mostly tween girls, though more and more tween boys are rockin' the Bieber bangs (despite claiming to very much dislike the Biebs). With the new movie "Never Say Never" tween girls are even more worked up over Justin Bieber. Like they needed one more reason to scream.

The article documents the new movie "Never Say Never" (in 3D mind you) and how the movie follows Bieber on his journey to being famous. Apparently his madison square garden concert sold out in 22 minutes. Really. Obviously, Bieber is a really important figure in tween culture right now. The article comments on his androgynous look, claiming he's non-threatening for young tween girls.

I, personally, didn't live through Beatle-mania. I mean, I had a poster of the New Kids on the Block on my wall, and I was a little partial to Donny Wahlberg, but I don't think I would've sent death threats to anyone he was dating. I think the Bieber movement is one of the biggest in quite sometime. It's worth paying attention to, at least a little. And while this article doesn't really detail anything that I didn't know already, I just wanted an excuse to vent about the movement that is Bieber fever. He's here, he's driving tween girls crazy, and if you're studying tweens and haven't listening to "Baby" you're just doing it wrong.

In a not completely unrelated note, my six year old insists that "Justin Beaver" is a girl. He has a point.

How Young is Too Young to Push it Up?

Tween Push Up Bikinis: How Much is Too Much?

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/March/Parents-Outraged-over-Push-Up-Tops-for-Tweens/

Abercrombie and Fitch is marketing a new push up bikini to girls as young as 7 and 8 years old. Many parents are upset, arguing that the company is trying to sexualize young girls. In my opinion, these bikinis are really just on small example in a giant movement. Teens are being exposed to sexual content at a younger and younger age, and now it is reaching to the preteens. Music videos, clothing, magazines, commercials are all ovesexualized and being marketed to tweens as early as ages 7 and 8. Research has shown (Curry & Choate article below) that this can be damaging to young girls. They can develop poor body images and even do poorly in school.

What does this mean to tween librarians? I think it is important to be aware of what is going on culturally and attempt to help combat it by providing media literacy education, teaching our tweens to be thoughtful consumers of media and information. If tweens can think critically about websites, commercials, marketing in general, they may see past the glitz and glam and see the intention. This is similar to checking for valid sources; understanding what drives the information is as important as the information itself. We can also help provide access to positive information and sources, such as books on developing a positive body image. This isn't just about a bikini or about pants that say 'juicy' on the bum; this is about a larger message that society is sending to young girls. We need to prepare young girls to be careful consumers of said message.


Resources:

Tween make-up?

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2011/January/Too-Young-For-Make-Up-Walmart-Targets-Tweens-/

Tweens & The Spa

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/health/7488148/pampering-for-tween-princesses/

Oversexualization of Young Adolescent Girls:

http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleSchoolJournal/Articles/September2010/Article3/tabid/2256/Default.aspx

Wii PE

Kids Use Wii for PE

http://www.tweentribune.com/content/kids-use-wii-pe

Reflection:

The article discusses how a school in Arkansas has been using Wii for PE, especially on days where the weather is non-compliant with outside activities. The school has about 12 Wii units, and sets up something akin to circuit training. With all of the sports and dancing games available, kids actually get a pretty good workout while playing inside with a video game console. With childhood obesity becoming such an issue in our country, finding fun and engaging ways to get kids active is important. I personally think this a great way to keep kids moving, even on days where it is too hot, raining, or cold outside. I have kids and a Wii system, and I can tell you that after Wii boxing for 10-15 minutes, you work up a pretty good sweat. Also, knowing middle school kids, it can sometimes be hard to find something they can relate to if they are not sporty types. The Wii appeals to sporty kids as well as those that may prefer playing video games, thus helping lots of kids. Run laps, or play some Wii tennis? I think Wii tennis probably wins. Most of the time.

Resources:

Workout with Wii:

http://www.workoutwithwii.com/

Wii Workout Games:

http://nintendo.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/bestwiiworkoutgames.htm

OMG! LOL Makes It Into The OED

OMG! LOL Makes It Into The OED

http://www.tweentribune.com/content/omg-lol-makes-it-oed

Reflection:


This article details the addition of some popular tween/teen slang into the OED such as OMG (oh my gosh), LOL (laugh out loud), BFF (best friend forever), and IMHO (in my humble opinion). I personally found the article interesting and have shared with students how the OED even recognizes their acronyms. Tweens like when what they read (possibly not traditional novels) is recognized as reading, and what they write is recognized as writing. It is really important to teach tweens/teens when it is appropriate to write informally and when it is appropriate to write formally. I have students turn in essays (even the high school exit exam) with 'jk' or 'lol' written on them. There is a big difference between a text message and a persuasive essay. However, I do like to validate tweens and teens and let them know that they *are* reading and writing on a daily basis. It may not be a descriptive essay or Catcher in the Rye, but I think it is important to the literacies that they are developing on a daily basis, as long as they can differentiate appropriate scenarios. Also, I really just find additions to the OED interesting. Apparently, OMG was used as early as 1917. Who knew?

Resources:

Teen chat decoder:


http://www.teenchatdecoder.com/

http://www.teenchatdecoder.com/internet-safety-articles/top-teen-acronyms.htm


Oxford English Dictionary:

http://www.oed.com/

The Tween Wears Prada

 

The Kiddie Couturiers

Citation: Wilson, E. (2011). The Kiddie Couturiers. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/fashion/24KIDDIES.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=tween&st=cse&scp=3

Reflection:

The article begins by chronicling the reaction to a 'spoof' article about a tween fashion designer. The problem? The spoof didn't exactly work. People responded wanting more information and praising the tween designer, not getting the joke. However, the article continues by discussing actual, live tween designers (such as Cecilia Cassini pictured above). There are tweens, such as Cecilia, obsessed with and designing fashion at their young age. The article takes a somewhat negative stance against the tween couturier movement, presenting arguments that tweens lack the history, culture, and craft of older designers. Also, by being a fashion designer, tweens are being exposed to public scrutiny at a young age.

While I definitely see the merit of the argument regarding public scrutiny, I think the same argument would then apply to young actors and writers. If one views fashion as an art form, should we really be hesitant to let young children experiment with their dreams? Should we tell young writers that they should wait until they're older to write? I think we have to walk a fine line here. It is ultimately up to the parents to prepare public tweens for the scrutiny and to decide if it is right for their child. And while I personally am not sure what decision I would make, I think we as a public have to decide how to react and what our reaction means to the up and coming artists, inventors, and dreamers. Does talent have an age limit?  

Resources:

Cecilia Cassini's site:

http://www.ceciliacassini.com/

Tween GPS

GPS Tracking Services and Your Teen

Citation: (2011). GPS Tracking Services and your Teen. Retrieved from
http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/02/gps-tracking-services-and-your-teen/

Reflection:

Social networking technology has reached a new level by integrating GPS tracking services. Many people are familiar with Facebook places, foursquare, and gowalla. This article debates teens using these services that give away their actual physical location for safety reasons. A simple check-in could lead to big trouble.

What I thought was the most interesting about this article for me is that though I even use these technologies, and I am aware that young tweens and teens do so as well, I never really thought of what a problem this could be. Probably because I'm an adult, I don't have tween children, and I understand the importance of having privacy settings on my profiles. But may young tweens might not have the foresight to have appropriate levels of security, and even if they do, children posting there exact location is never a good idea. A predator would then have your picture, name, and location... all making their job much easier.

I think it is important for adults to understand these technologies so that we can better understand what is actually happening and how to protect our youth. I remember hearing 'foursquare' a while back and thinking nothing of it; I didn't know what it was. I can easily imagine a parent thinking something similar as their child pulls out their phones and checks in. Information is power, and I think it might be helpful for a middle school librarian to integrate safety about these web 2.0 tools into some discussions. In the era of findability, we're all going to have to work together to keep tweens and teens safe. I bet Mrs. Cleaver didn't have to worry about this...

Resources:

Google Family Safety Center:
http://www.google.com/familysafety/

NetSmart for tweens:
http://www.nsteens.org/

To Dye or Not To Dye

Bold Hair Hues Lead to Suspension for 6th-Grader

Citation: Sammons, Mary. (2011). Bold Hair Hues Lead to Suspension for 6th Grader. Retrieved from
http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/16/bold-hair-hues-lead-to-suspension-for-sixth-grader/

Reflection:

This article describes a young 6th grade girl who was suspended from school for having blonde and red streaks in her hair. Seriously. I did NOT just make that up. Click the URL above if you don't believe me. Do it... I'll wait.

On one hand, I understand the need for a dress code and a code of conduct in a school. It is important for safety, privacy, liability, etc. Apparently the hair dye conflicted with the student code, which states that students cannot dye their hair. But the girl streaked her hair with NATURALLY OCCURRING colors. She didn't dye her hair sea monster green, something which might actually distract fellow students. The girls mom actually paid to have it professionally done.

So she was suspended, because the principal can't have an outbreak of dyed hair. Watch out now, kids might get ideas and start expressing themselves. I mean, what if I am born a brunette, but I think I am actually a blonde? I can be suspended for righting that wrong? (This is hypothetical, of course). I suppose you can wait until you graduate, but I just thought we would have evolved as a society to the point where a girl could highlight her hair without being suspended.

Again, the tween age is a tricky one. Some girls may be wanting to highlight their hair, while others still don't even care about their hair. I think there should be some reasonable flexibility, where tweens can express their individuality within the confines of appropriate school rules. I can understand not dying your hair blue (maybe). But methinks this school may be a little on the strict (read: draconian) side.

Bathroom Doors: Right or Privilege?

Was Principal Right To Remove Bathroom Doors?

http://www.tweentribune.com/content/was-principal-right-remove-bathroom-doors

Citation: (2011). Was Principal Right to Remove Bathroom Doors?. Retrieved from http://www.tweentribune.com/content/was-principal-right-remove-bathroom-doors

Reflection:

I felt compelled to respond when I happened upon this article for a variety of reasons. First, this article really illustrates some of the issues that one deals with when dealing with tweens. The age gap between tweens is enormous. Some are vandalizing school property, while I've met tweens who wouldn't even understand what graffiti is. Obviously disciplining this age group effectively can be a rough task, same as instructing them can be.

While destruction of public property is serious and should be stopped, my initial reaction was against the action this principal chose. Especially at such a vulnerable age, removing privacy in the bathroom of all locations is risky and insensitive. While I must admit the punishment was effective, I can't help but wonder if there couldn't have been a different way to maintain privacy, dignity, and understanding and yet still deter vandalism. Not all tweens were destroying the bathroom, yet all tweens had to go to school and possibly use that restroom without doors.

I suppose my reaction is biased; I remember clearly being a middle school girl and what that would have felt like to me. Also, somewhere inside I disagree with punishing everyone for the acts of a few. I think when dealing with children, and especially this age, we have to be mindful of the changes they are going through, their needs, and the potential risks of doing something as extreme as removing the doors in a public restroom. The article cites many parents being upset, and even claiming the punishment may be unconstitutional. I have to say, I probably would've faked sick that week were I a tween.

Tiger Moms

Who Benefits From The ‘Battle’ Over Tiger Mothers?

http://www.ypulse.com/guest-post-who-benefits-from-the-battle-over-tiger-mothers

Citation: (2011). Who Benefits From The 'Battle' Over Tiger Mothers?. Retrieved from http://www.ypulse.com/guest-post-who-benefits-from-the-battle-over-tiger-mothers

Reflection:

When I first read a similar article about the book Battle Hymm of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua on Yahoo!, I couldn't really see how this would apply to 'tweens', though I was immediately inrigued and had a very visceral reaction to the article. When I saw a guest post on this book on Ypulse specifically applying it to tweens, I jumped at the opportunity to reflect a little more on the article and how it applies to today's tweens.

First, whether you agree with her or not, Chua has put forth some interesting parenting advice in her new book. It is now a spoken part of our culture, and that makes it worth discussing. In Chua's book she claims that her children were required to play an instrument, were forced to practice for hours, never praised, and even insulted. The article takes a negative stance towards Chua and her draconian parenting rules (such as no sleepovers or playdates -- ever). The author of the Ypulse article refutes Chua's claim that Chinese mothers do it best, because Chua's children are not even grown as of yet. Also, Chua relies mainly on stereotypes and attacks many common western parenting practices in her books.

Aside from the book, the article, and my own distaste for everything Chua has had to say about parenting thus far, I think it is important to take note of her. There are tweens being raised in this way, and I am hoping to some day serve tweens. Like it or not, I'd like to be open to tweens of all types, and having a better understanding of where a tween may be coming from is always important. So while I personally disagree with Chua, some tweens will have these 'Tiger Moms'. It is important to be culturally aware of what is going on with tweens if we want to support them properly, remaining objective in the library.

But at home, I can comfortably say that I think Chua is insane. The 'Little White Donkey' incident made me a little sick to my stomach. And aside from understanding from what tweens may be going through on the parenting front, this article helps me better understand how I can support them at school. It reminds me of what I believe, and how I personally want to treat children: with understanding, compassion, flexibility, honesty, and truth.

Resources:
 
Tiger Moms: Is Tough Parenting Really the Answer?

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2043313,00.html

Flinching From the Tiger Mom

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thinking-about-kids/201101/flinching-the-tiger-mom

Tiger Mothers: Raising Children the Chinese Way

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/11/132833376/tiger-mothers-raising-children-the-chinese-way