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The Parent Perspective - The Parent Perspective is a monthly feature where parents tell us how their families navigate today's media-saturated environment. This month’s Parent Perspective is from Bonnie in Calgary, Canada. She is the mother of two boys, ages 7 and 10. In addition to being the mother of two boys, I am a former high school teacher who now runs the Centre Stage Theatre Company for children and teens here in Calgary. Two years ago, I was very troubled by numerous cyberbullying situations making the local news. Students were using cell phones, camera phones, text messaging and instant messaging to harass both teachers and other students. In one incident students filmed playground fights and then posted them to YouTube for everyone to see. In another high-profile story, a pedophile was speaking to kids over the Internet, convincing them to meet up with him, and then abusing them. Hearing stories like these on a daily basis became very disturbing to me. I want to do something, but what could I do? Because of my connections to theatre, I wrote a play called A Most Dangerous Game which examines the secret cyberlife of three teenagers. I did significant research to develop the storyline, working with teens, teachers, and the Calgary Police Department. In the play, Sydney relies on text messaging, chat rooms and cyberbullying to maintain her social status and tear apart her enemies, Daniel escapes into “nextlife” to avoid his real one and Bailey is about to meet the boyfriend of her dreams - or at least that's what she thinks. All three are playing a most dangerous game, and like the classic original short story The Most Dangerous Game, they are completely oblivious to what will happen to them next. Accompanied by a multi-media and live techno soundscape, this play takes a timely issue and pushes audiences to rethink the affect they have on technology and the effect it has on them. Teachers and students are really excited to see the show; we have very captivated audiences who, over the course of 45 minutes, get absorbed by the dilemmas and situations the characters find themselves in. There is also some cheering that goes on at the end of the play when two of the characters decide to get to know each other in the real world by going for a walk outside together. Here is some feedback we've received from audience members:
With funding from the Calgary Arts Development, our play has toured to 20 schools, reaching over 5,000 students. The response has been so positive we have extended our tour and will tour again next year throughout the province, and if funding allows, throughout the country. Because the play is aimed at secondary schoolers, my boys are not quite old enough to understand and appreciate the entire play. However, they have seen bits of the play in rehearsal, which has prompted much discussion about our own use of the media. They recognize the dangers of the Internet and we have talked about how careful we all have to be as a family when asked for our personal information. While my sons do not participate in online social networking, they are fascinated with YouTube. One way we help monitor their online safety is that we have our computer in a central location and their surfing time is limited. As they get older the discussion points in the play between the teens and their parents will be real life discussions in my house, too. As a parent I have found a way of expressing my concerns and fears with humour and sensitivity to my children and yes - with vigilance, too. If you'd like to share your own experiences or suggestions in a Parent Perspective, email us at cmch@childrens.harvard.edu |
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