A New Rite of Passage

By Barbara Mahany

Tribune Newspapers

Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine

June 14, 2009

Digital puberty: It might not be in the dictionary yet, but its effects are being discussed by teachers, social psychologists and cultural anthropologists plotting out the pitfalls, mapping the maneuvering, of this bold new world where teens grow up — and strive and stumble. It's all being played out on a digital stage these days. It's this cyber-hangout — always on, ever-connected, texting and instant messaging, p