The purpose of social networking for children is to provide a resource of peers who have similar interests, who can provide support and friendship, and who the child can measure himself against. Public schools, and even private schools, seem to provide a social network for their students. However, homeschooled students can have the advantage of a social network that is safer and includes a wider variety of interests and personalities. The homeschooling parents only need to use their imagination and do a little research to find great opportunities nearby.

The internet is a great way to get started. The parent can search on the internet, using Google and a few key words, such as “homeschool group” or “homeschool co-op” and their general location to find lists of homeschool groups that are meeting in their area. The parent can contact these various groups and choose one (or more) groups with which to become involved. Some are based on religion, some are based on a category of learning, and some are cooperative, in that the parent agrees to teach the group of children on a rotation.

Getting involved in a group is the fastest way to find other homeschoolers who have similar interests and beliefs. If a student is already aware of his strengths and interests and cannot find a group meeting locally, then he can start a group by advertising through flyers at the library, churches, and other local message boards.

Homeschoolers can also take advantage of many opportunities to interact with adults, who usually behave with respect and kindness. If a parent is concerned about social networking for his homeschool children, he might consider that it could be more beneficial for a child to interact with good role models than the poor social example that public school peers seem to set.