Manon’s Blog

In November of 2007 an article was released on Science Daily Online discussing the overprotection of teens on the internet. Many schools and parents have placed restrictions on students and children from roaming around on the internet. The teenagers are not able to use any blogging or chatting websites. Parents and teachers have placed these restrictions to help protect the safety of their children. It is widely known that there are many hate groups and other “digital dangers” according to the article “Benefits of Online Interaction…” Some children may be offended or hurt by material spread by the internet, yet is that a reason to isolate them from the pain?

Personally, I agree with Professor Brendesha Tynes that teens need to be exposed to such internet dangers. As hard as society tries, racism and negative input will remain important issues that will lurk through our streets. Choosing to create a teenage class where ignorance is bliss will only be negative to the future of the children. Prejudice cannot always be ignored, instead it must be confronted. Similarly, the dangers created by the internet must be confronted. Instead of pretending nothing is wrong with the internet, parents and teachers should teach there children how to protect themselves and remain safe on the internet. Eventually, students and teachers may find that the benefits of confronting the internet far outweigh the negative possibilities that the internet presents.

Myself, I have never been subject to internet protection at home. I have learned to remain safe on the internet through experience. I know never to give my name out on the internet and I know how to keep any pages related to me private. As a result, I have never had a bad experience from the internet, besides spending hours researching for a last minute project! I realize that some people do not feel as secure on the internet as I do, but that is why I find that learning internet protection is so important. No one should fear the internet because it has so much to offer!

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 20th, 2008 at 7:53 pm and is filed under Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.