Dan Severson

After reading the information about safety on the web today I am less concerned about my children using the internet but still fearful. I was horrified when I read the statistics and crimes related to this ballooning technology called the internet, however, I was glad to see some things parents can do to place some structure or controll on the use of the internet. Having children is difficult enough and we all know how we felt about our parents at certain times but the world seemed a lot smaller back when we were younger. The internet has opened up the world for everyone to see - you are out there for everyone to see. I like the fact that the government is aware of safety issues brought about by the internet and are taking steps to set up laws to protect our children. I am also glad to see the private sector companies get involved and provide programs that can filter or censor material on websites. I am definetly going to arm my home computer to ensure my children are not exposed to harmful material before they actulaly need to see it.

I am aware of the censorship issues of some sites not being opened due to a few choice words or descriptions that may actually be beneficial for learning. I am also aware that the nightly news seems to show more violence and destruction than many websites. How to find a balance between what is too much and what is not enough? This is where I think we as parents can step in and start educating our children at a young age the pitfalls of the internet. As I get older I am getting more and more like my father, I also remember times when I swore I would not treat my kids like that. I am and I do. I am my father. Teach your children and teach them well and they will become good adults.

I am glad that I am taking this course to learn some of the issues and the slang that is used in this techno world. I just wish I had a Communciation for Dummies book to translate and access these wonderful tools with more confidence.