Internet Issues: Exploring the Benefits and Risks

Benefits of Using the Internet

The Internet enables the user to: Access a vast array of educational and cultural resources which often include text, pictures, sound, and video. If you can think of it, there is probably a web site devoted to it. Obtain up-to-the-minute information on a wide variety of topics, including news, weather, sports, stock quotes, movie reviews, etc.. Connect with people around the world to exchange email, engage in online chat, and/or learn about other cultures and traditions. Improve technology, reading, composing, and information skills as well as the ability to use information to solve problems. These are important skills for the present and future job market. Locate parenting information and get help with children's homework and projects. Have fun as a family learning together, planning trips, playing games, etc. Obtain goods and services and conduct transactions with various governmental agencies, commercial businesses, etc. Shopping, trading stocks, banking, and making travel reservations are all possible online. Communicate with family and friends and others who have similar interests through email, mailing lists, etc.

For further discussion of the benefits of using the Internet, click on one of the following sites:

• Benefits of Getting on the Information Superhighway - U. S. Dept. of Education
• Why Computers Matter to Your Child - Children's Partnership
  

Points to Consider Regarding the Risks

As with all types of technology including the telephone, it is the way in which people use the technology that makes the difference. Just as the telephone can be used for important and positive communication as well as prank or obscene phone calls, so can the technology of the Internet be used for questionable and even criminal purposes. The wise user learns about these risks and acts to avoid negative experiences. No particular person or group--no country, government, organization, or company-- is in charge of the Internet. Many laws that pertain to publishing in books, magazines, newspapers, television, etc. may apply in cyberspace, but most have not yet been tested in court. Lawmakers are currently struggling to find ways to regulate this new technology without violating rights which are protected by the First Amendment. Our federal laws do not necessarily apply to what is happening with the Internet in foreign countries. There have been attempts to develop international regulations, but these do not yet exist.

Risks of Using the Internet

Credibility of online information must be carefully examined. Because anyone can publish on the Internet, and do so almost instantaneously, the user must always consider the source of the information and evaluate the information critically. Material inappropriate for children is available on the Internet. Sites containing sexually explicit images and texts as well as sites promoting hatred, bigotry, violence, drugs, and cults can be easily accessible. Anonymous interactions with other users is possible through email and chats. Strangers can easily pretend to be someone else on the Internet and falsely gain your trust. This has allowed access by pedophiles to children who are not under close parental supervision. Distribution of child pornography has been conducted using the Internet. The growth of the Internet has provided child pornographers with a new distribution vehicle which seems relatively anonymous. Inappropriate and unsolicited email or harassing messages can become a problem. Alerting your Internet Service Provider to this problem can usually solve it. The lack of restrictions on marketing products on the Internet, such as alcohol and tobacco, can pose a problem. Some marketing also deceptively collects personal information from children in order to sell to them or their parents. Personal information may be used in unauthorized ways. Although many people may believe they are anonymous when online, it is often possible for someone with expertise to figure out where your transmission is coming from, and sometimes, who you are. Issues of data privacy are becoming increasingly important as the Internet becomes more and more a part of our daily lives. The security of transactions on the Internet causes concern for many people who would willingly give their credit card number over the phone. Children often know more about how to use the Internet than do their parents. This can be a significant safety risk if the child is not supervised or is not following online safety rules.

Special Considerations for Children and Teenagers

As Lawrence Magid points out in his document Child Safety on the Information Highway, ""The online world, like the rest of society, is made up of a wide array of people. Most are decent and respectful, but some may be rude, obnoxious...or even exploitive. Children and teenagers get a lot of benefit from being online, but they can also be targets of crime and exploitation in this as in any other environment. Trusting, curious, and anxious to explore this new world and the relationships it brings, children and teenagers need parental supervision and common sense advice on how to be sure that their experiences in cyberspace are happy, healthy, and productive." Check out Larry Magid's SafeKids website! It is an excellent source of additional information on the following topics: Issues and Articles Protecting Your Privacy Online Safety Slide Show (PowerPoint presentation) Directory of Parental Control Software Other Online Child Safety Sites For further discussion of the risks for children and teenagers, visit one of the following sites: Tools and Tips for Parents (from the Children's Partnership) Child Safety Online (from the Internet Online Summit) Teen Safety on the Internet - General Risks

Because the role of parents is so important in keeping children safe online, we will examine that role along with some tips for keeping children safe.

Next

Session One Introduction

Facts and Figures

Definitions

Benefits and Risks

Role of Parents

Role of BCPS

Content Evaluation

Session Evaluation

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