Web of Danger (Shaylee)

12/30/2023

The internet was created for many purposes. One of the greatest uses for the internet is being able to keep in contact with friends, family and even people from the other side of the country that a person wouldn't have met without the internet. However, one of the biggest problems facing the youth today on the internet is their safety.

Some of these kids know more things about the internet than their own parents. They can navigate all sorts of things through the games they play. They aren't afraid to talk to anyone and give them all types of information because they don't have the capacity to understand what the other person behind the screen intentions are. The saddening thing is now these young children are targets for everything; sex trafficking, information, scamming. And one won't think it'll happen to me or a family member, but it does. My seven year old brother was playing on the family computer when I walked in on him and he was having a very explicit conversation with another player. Now, him being young and not being able to read or type that well, he didn't understand the full context of the conversation but he had to have a talk with my parents about the dangers of playing on the computer.

Because of this happening to me and affecting my family, I wanted it to be the topic for this week and wanted to get your guys' perspective on the topic. What do you all think about the dangers of the internet? Is being able to talk to strangers behind a screen risky or no risk at all?

6 Comments

Zackeryah Schwartz

12/31/2023 11:50:01 pm

As someone who's had unrestricted access on the internet since I was twelve, I don't think it's a real problem. While yes seeing kids having conversations on the internet like this is awful, it's also avoidable if parents chose to have conversations about it before it happens instead of after. I just know that in my personal experience I've never had anything bad happen to me whilst talking with strangers on the internet.

Halle Peets

1/1/2024 04:29:50 pm

I agree with you that parents should get involved in these decisions and should educate their children on the danger and risks. However, I believe that there should be an age limit. For example, a four-year-old should not be browsing Instagram. We also have to be aware of the matter that even with preventative measures, there is still a possibility that a negative incident can occur.

Shaylee

1/2/2024 09:20:00 pm

I agree with you on the fact that parents need to have certain conversation with their children about using the internet. I just feel sad that it these young kids that are being targeted. I also feel like they are more open to talking to anyone. I know that for myself when I first got my phone, I only allowed friends, family and people I know to follow me on social media. I still do that today just for my safety.

Halle Peets

1/1/2024 04:26:03 pm

I was not given a phone until I was about 11-12, and before I was, my parents had discussed with me their hesitation. They always spoke negatively about being on the phone too much and I was not allowed to have a social media account or personal email until I was about 14. I believe that my parents restricting me from the internet did help me, because they did not just simply tell me no, they explained why and educated me of the dangers and the creeps out there. I am grateful now because I still stay distanced from social media and choose not to have much presence on the internet. I think that kids should not have internet access up to a certain point, however the parents will feel that their child is mature enough to do so on their own time. It is a parent's responsibility to protect their child from the internet not the school, or anybody else.

Zackeryah

1/2/2024 07:55:17 am

I feel like educating was the correct choice in the matter but restricting access to independence until 14 isn't something I personally agree with. Parents should allow kids to experience the internet first hand when they're young so they understand the dangers better.

Shaylee

1/2/2024 09:23:46 pm

Yes, I think that you are right with your comet. It is up to the parents to decide when their child can have social media and teach them about the dangers of it. I think that eventually one has to push kids out into the real world and that they can't be sheltered forever but we just need to watch over the next generation of kids better.

Web of Danger (Shaylee)

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