SUMMARY #2 THE CHILDREN AND THE INTERNET

THE CHILDREN AND THE INTERNET
In the article, “ Benefits of the Internet”, the author describes important information about the benefits of the Internet as well as the online dangers for children. The author states two important points about the Internet. The Internet is a valuable resource that gives the opportunity to share resources and ideas with people that have the same interests. Also, using the Internet means that you have access not only to written words, but also to pictures, music and sound effects. The second point is that there is no regulation or control on the material that is produced on the Internet. This fact can lead children to come across material that is not appropriate for their ages.

The Internet plays an important role in peoples’ lives, but it should be limited for children because they can access inappropriate information, become victims of cyber bullying and make purchases online.
Today, children like playing a variety of games that the Internet offers, but sometimes they can come across pornography unexpectedly. For instance, one day I went to the cyber café in my country and I saw two children who laughed happily and who’ were between 12 and 14 years old. So, I decided to get close and see what was going on. Doubtless, they were watching two big, fat naked women who were dancing the belly dance. There are thousands of examples like this one going on around the world. Parents have to have more control over the children and to have to be aware of what children are doing and seeing on the Internet.

Besides that, children like meeting other people or they might feel the curiosity of using the chartrooms and e-mails. When chatting or sending e-mails, children are apt to meet people who might tease them by using false alarms and threats. For instance, there are many men who like having sex with children and who also know that chatting is good way to meet children (The Young Media Australia, 2008). Children don’t work and usually don’t have money in their pocket. So, these people take advantage of children by offering money out of sex. Parents have to talk openly to children about men who like giving money to children for sex.

Other children might be tempted by the different offers made on the Internet while playing. For example, children might be playing when an online advertise can appear on the screen saying that” You can win one million dollar just by clicking here. Who is the person who doesn’t want to win one million dollar? Today, parents have to understand that there are many ways in which children can get in trouble on the net.

In conclusion, parents have to teach their children to be critical users of the Internet. Parents have to talk openly to children and explain that the internet is nice but it can turn out to be dangerous sometimes. Children also need to have better control of the Internet, not the Internet over them.


Manchester Asian Trading (n.d.). Commercial Benefits of the Internet. Information Network. Retrieved on April 7, 2008, from www.poptel.org.uk

The Government of South Australia (n.d.). Lets talk. Children and the Media. Retrieved on April 7, 2008, from www.webulous.com

The Young Media Australia (2008, January 23) The Internet Benefits, Dangers and Strategies. Children and the Media. Retrieved on April 6, 2008 from www.youngmedia.rog.ou