Lately I’ve been hearing a lot about the dangers of the Internet. Numerous publications have done major articles on MySpace. (Click here for Business Week article) You have probably seen the Dateline specials on sexual predators, where they catch the men who initially “meet” their soon-to-be-victims online.
Just the other day, I overheard a man on television talking about how he cheated on his wife—with her best friend. He mentioned that they were all friends initially, and after she moved away, he kept in touch with her via email. Soon, the emails became less “friendly” and more “intimate”. Though he knew the communication was inappropriate, he enjoyed it because it was like living in a fantasy world.
And that is my concern…people, and more specifically our young people, see this online world as a fantasy world. They don’t think it’s real.
“It can’t be real. There’s nothing tangible.” “It’s not real. When I log off, it’s over.”
Time after time, the reality—the dangerous reality—emerges and usually leaves a trail of pain in its path. There are crooks and pedophiles who use this tool to victimize people. And believe me—they are not virtual. They are very real.
So be careful “out there”. Cyberspace is not as far away as you think.
Question: How do you manage your Internet usage, especially for your children?
4 comments:
We can't blame our weaknesses and vices on anybody else. People have been selling pornographic magazines and movies for a long time. That doesnt mean that I have to buy them. We cant shut everything down and call it evil. We have to control ourselves.
Parents need to raise their children to understand the difference between right and wrong. You cant be over them all the time
"Virtual Dangers"
I agree with Frankie that we can't blame our weaknesses and vices on others, but I believe if some of this junk wasn't readily available, some would not get in such trouble.
I'm very concerned for my grandchildren, and those that are defenceless against society. They are bombared with this trash, and if we want to have prayer the entire world is up in arms.
It is also very true that parents need to regulate what their children listen to and watch but you can't be everywhere at all times. The bible said "Woe unto those that give suck in that day." This is "that day" I fearful and very prayerful for the youth of this world. Something must be done. We all have to get MAD.
Amen to the above comments. As a mother of two children who are 10 years apart, when it comes to cyberstuff, I find myself feeling like I am in a war...parents who care,protect,and monitor vs. the 100 million parents, youth, wackos and cyber junkies who don't care,protect and monitor. My conclusion...God has my back and he going to take care of all of the cyber wickedness and give us wisdom to move along with the times- cause all of internet is not bad.
For as much as I don't like it, I learn it to stay a few steps ahead of my children and the rest of the world.
At the cost of being called overprotective and sheltering, I have a responsiblity to God and my family to at least do what I can and let God handle the rest.
Lee,
I just wanted to say to you I think "chatting with Lee" is great! You've managed to find a way to have non-confrontational discussion on some great issues. Freedom of speech goes along way!
You are my hero...and the wind beneath my wings. Black Butterfly
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