the Internet Public Librarythe Internet Public Library
The collection of the Teen Division of the Internet Public Library is developed for teenagers ages 13-19 and their parents, teachers, and anyone else interested in information directed to and about teenagers and young adults. Material used and sites recommended are chosen based on their appropriateness for the subject matter and should be written and maintained by an authoritative source. The information should be current, accurate, and presented in an objective and well-organized manner. While the resources may not necessarily be aimed specifically at teens, their contents should be of interest and useful to these age groups.
Some areas of the Teen Division cover information about difficult topics with which teens are confronted in today's rapidly changing society. The teen years are a time of tremendous growth and development, and today's teens are exposed to issues and experiences that would challenge even adults with the most developed coping skills. The Internet is potentially one such source of exposure for teens, yet it also has profound potential for information dissemination that teens desperately need.
The IPL Teen Division seeks to provide teens with access to basic information about many of the difficult issues they face. In doing so, we recognize that we have provided links to sites which some teens and adults will consider inappropriate. We actively seek sites that are authoritative and we avoid sensationalistic sites that lack content. At times, however, we make the decision to include sites that have potentially questionable material because the usefulness of other information at the site make that site's benefits outweigh its disadvantages.
The IPL Teen Division strongly encourages teens and parents to participate in open dialogue whenever possible. We recommend that parents explore the Internet and establish appropriate rules for use with their teens. We recommend that teens discuss their experiences on the Internet with a parent or trusted adult, especially when that exploration results in viewing sites that contain information or images they find confusing or disturbing.
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