How Dangerous is the Internet to REAL kids? - Growing Up Online
Today i stumbled across an article by David Pogue for the New York Times which examines closely the question of internet safety. He makes reference to a PBS Frontline documentary film which is certainly worth watching and is in SEVEN parts, each 8 minutes in length exploring many aspects from over protective mothers, to cyber bullying.
“One of the biggest surprises in making this film was the discovery that the threat of online predators is misunderstood and overblown. The data shows that giving out personal information over the Internet makes absolutely no difference when it comes to a child’s vulnerability to predation.” (That one blew my mind, because every single Internet-safety Web site and pamphlet hammers repeatedly on this point: never, ever give out your personal information online.)
“Also, the vast majority of kids who do end up having contact with a stranger they meet over the Internet are seeking out that contact,” Ms. Dretzin goes on. “Most importantly, all the kids we met, without exception, told us the same thing: They would never dream of meeting someone in person they’d met online.”
Several teenagers interviewed in the story make it clear that only an idiot would be lured unwittingly into a relationship with an online sicko: “If someone asks me where I live, I’ll delete the ‘friend.’ I mean, why do you want to know where I live at?” says one girl.
[From How Dangerous Is the Internet for Children? - Pogue’s Posts - Technology - New York Times Blog]
View the very good VIDEO here
Posts
2 comments:
how you sight up
Interesting to see a different point of view, and i guess i do kinda follow it. All comes down to what people are going to fear, the nameless unknown dangers, or the relative who drives too fast and drinks beforehand.... it's easier to believe the unknown is dangerous than the known...
Being taught good sense, and knowing you can always ask your parents about anything without worrying about a huge reaction is the best thing people can do for their kids, but that needs the adults to take that responsibility... oh dear...
In the words of the old Hill Street Blues "Take care out there!"
Post a Comment