THE TWO SIDES OF THE INTERNET( COUNTERARGUMENT

THE TWO SIDES OF THE INTERNET

 The Internet has remarkable articles that provide a lot of information about the Internet benefits as well as the drawbacks, particularly articles related to children and the Internet. The Internet is a collection of interconnected computer networks, linked by copper wires, fiber – optic uses small cables, and wireless connection (Boustany, 2007). The World Wide Web is one of the services available via the Internet along with various others including e-mail, file sharing, online gaming and others. According to Internet World States (2007), as of December 30, 2007, 1.319 billion people use the Internet for different purposes. In the article Human Rights Faults China’s Curbs on the Internet (Boustany, 2007) Slaber cites that a writer on policy issues for the Washington, D.C. has asserted that the Internet is becoming a basic feature of global civilization. At present, there is a strong controversy about whether it should be restricted or if it should not. Some people talk about narrowing the technology gap (Boustany, 2007). Other people say that freedom in cyberspace is a pre –requisite for an information society ( Utsumi, 2005). In fact, the Internet is a very popular resource among people today. The Internet is a very important resource, but it should be restricted among children whose ages range between 6 and 12 years old because they can become addicted, they can experience pornography online and experience violent games that can cause a negative effect.

First, children become addicted. Many children spend many hours playing and chatting on the Internet. Spending many hours on the net can hurt their life in many ways. For example, children forget to do their homework and then they might flunk in class. Parents play an important role because they have to train children and to know what children are doing on the Internet by monitoring chat lines designed for their own age group and chatting with them about that not all information on the Internet is reliable.

Second, children can experience pornography online. Children’s’ mind is still innocent compared to adult people. When children are chatting, playing or they may be searching for ordinary everyday topic. It is possible they might run the risk to come across with information or images that could harm their innocence minds. For Example, some children don’t know what sex is, once they are online they know that the internet is a resource that can provide everything. Knowing this can push them to be tempted to watch porno and forget homework. Sometimes, they might be working or doing something good when suddenly sex online on the screen can appear. Depending on the age of your children you can negotiate boundaries. For example: Set a daily or weekly time limit. The amount of time will depend on the age. Parents have to teach children to keep a balance with their other activities. Another strategy is to allow the Internet access in public spaces so that you can keep an eye on what they are doing.

Violent games hurt children and cause negative effects. Many children tend to be overactive, lazy and disrespectful. Most of the time children try to do what they see on the screen. They also believe that everything they see is real. For example, many children like shooting games. Then they want to experience this in real life. Using filters can help you to control the information that is accessed by children on the Internet.

Some people (Schwartz 2002) argue that a law passed by congress in December 2000 requiring schools and libraries to use filters software changes the nature of libraries from being places that provide information to places that unconstitutionally restrict it. Those in favor of the filtering law say its opponents mischaracterize the law and the software. According to Senator John Mc Cain (2002) has said, “ Allows local communities to decide what technology they want to use, and what to filter out, so that our children’s minds aren’t polluted. Some people have to understand that restricting the Internet to children is to protect children. The Internet is an open place where everybody can access and that can jeopardize children’s minds.

In conclusion, It is necessary to have control over the use of the net specially with children of 6 to 12 because the material found on the net sometimes can be harmful to minors. Parents have to be aware of their children and try to control the Internet use.

REFERENCES

Boustany, N. (2007, March 7). Human Rights Faults China’s Curbs on Internet. The Washington Post. Retrieved on March 30, 2008, from www.lexisnexis.com

Crime and Intellectual Property Section. (n. d ). Field Guidance on New Authorities That Relate To Computer Crime and Electronic Evidence. United States Department of Justice. Retrieved on April 6,2008, from wwwcybercrime.gov

Schwartz, J. (2005, March 25). Law Limiting Internet in Libraries. The New York Times. Retrieved on April 14, 2008, from www.query.nytimes.com

Young Media Australia (2008, Jan 23) The Internet: benefits, dangers, and strategies. Children and the Media. Retrieved on April 4, 2008, from ww.youngmedia.org.au
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