Friday, October 22, 2010

Safety on the Web

I must say that this weeks assignment was an extremely disturbing one.  Because I am not that old, I used the internet often as an elementary, junior high and high school student.  Although this is the case, I feel so far removed from what young people are exposed to on the web today.  Doing the research for my mind map, I read about online marketing and pornography both aimed at young people or easily accessed by young people.  I also explored the threat of online predators, cyber bullying and privacy invasion.  Although the internet has made access to useful information much easier for students, it has also made access to children much easier for predators, bullies and individuals interested in using the identity of others.  

As a future educator, I am aware that I will have to deal with all of these problems at some point in time. The question is, what is the best way?  Educating children on the dangers of internet use BEFORE they are exposed to any of the aforementioned problems is key.  I, like many others, hope that through education, the ugly side of the internet will be tamed.  The internet is such a wonderful resource for information and communication that it is important that we find a safe way for students to use it.  


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