Social Networking von Jugendlichen im schülerVZ

The way young people interact with the internet has rapidly increased in recent years and has become increasingly taken for granted. The founding of schülerVZ in February 2007 fits into this development and has likely further intensified it. The community is already Europe's largest online network for young people. What does schülerVZ offer that clearly resonates with teenagers? The author, Nelli Ens, explores this question by first addressing relevant aspects of adolescence from developmental psychology and social science perspectives. She then examines how teenagers use the internet, particularly social networks like schülerVZ. In this context, she identifies risk factors that, in her view, present new demands on social work. In conclusion, she discusses initial ideas and initiatives as well as her own approaches to addressing the new challenges for young people and social work.