Facebook/Internet and the Adopted Child

Where to start for Information on Internet Technology and the Adopted Child:

• Check out the following Creating a Family radio shows:
  • June 29, 2011: Adoption in the Facebook, Twitter and Internet Age (Listen Now)

• Other Creating a Family Resources:
  • Top Ten Adoptive Parenting Tips for Facebook and the Internet
  • Common Sense Internet Rules for Kids (adopted or otherwise)
  • Creating a Family blog post titled Is Facebook a Blessing or a Curse for Adoption and Adopted Children
  • Creating a Family video on Parenting the Adopted Child in the Age of Social Networking
  • Creating a Family video on Common Sense Internet Rules for Adopted Kids

The Internet, along with Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and whatever the latest social networking site might be, has fundamentally changed the face of adoption. Like most changes, the affects can be both positive and negative, but regardless of the negatives, the Internet is here to stay, and adoptive parents need to learn how to parent in this environment.

Positive Influences of Facebook on Adoption and Adopted Children:

• Facilitate communication within the adoption triad (adoption speak for adoptee, adoptive parents, and first families).

• Made it easier for pre adoptive families to connect with expectant women who might be considering adoption?

• Helps adoptees and adoptive families find first family members.

• Fantastic source of education. (Think Creating a Family )

• Good source of support. Its not always possible to connect with other adoptive families, adoptees, or birth mothers in your everyday life, but it is more than possible to talk online with others who have lived this experience.

Negatives Influences of Facebook on Adoption and Adopted Children:

• Contact and communication between the adoption triad are most often taking place without support. Support may not be necessary, but it can be helpful in certain situations.

• Prospective birth mothers need trained counseling when deciding whether to make an adoption plan and this may not happen if they are found online.

• Children can be searching for birth families without the knowledge and support of their adoptive parents.

• Birth families can reach out to children placed for adoption without the knowledge of adoptive parents.

Resources on Facebook/Internet and the Adopted Child:

• Is That My Birth Mom on Facebook? What Parents Should Know (and Discuss) About Adoption Searching Today is an online course offered by Adoption Learning Partners

• I Found My Mom Through Facebook is a great article on how the internet is changing the face of adoption.

• Facebook Connecting Adopted Kids With Birth Parents includes a video excerpt from the TODAY Show on a family who uses facebook to find their teens' birth mother.

• Preparing Your Adopted Child For Information on the Internet is a great blog post from Adoption Under One Roof.

• Adoption Experts Warn on Dangers of Online Search BBC article by Dave Lee