Internet harms teenagers more than it helps
Internet harms teenagers more than it helps
Technology that surrounds everyone in current civilization affects our mind, work and even our lifestyle. It has many positive aspects but using it the wrong way can be dangerous.
One of the greatest threats the Internet provides to children is that it is an easy medium to gain access to adult content. This content promotes irresponsible relations between males and females and creates false notions in the minds of youngsters. The Internet has also made it easy for crooked elements to get in touch with children, which has led to an increase in cases of kidnapping and identity thefts. About 60% of young teenagers in the United States have admitted to responding to messages from strangers.
This kind of behavior is extremely risky and has made children extremely vulnerable as potential victims of cyber-crime. Nowadays parents often encourage their children to use the Internet to access useful information. However, giving them unmonitored and endless freedom often allows them to go astray.
While parents think their children are searching for information on the Internet or to complete a homework assignment, they may well be spending hours playing games online or come across websites that are not meant for them, including those with inappropriate content such as unsuitable images or videos, information facilitating the use of drugs or alcohol or all kinds of violent content.
This is not the only threat a child may face while using the Internet. Too much exposure to the Internet may lead to addiction.
Experts say excessive time spent on the Internet negatively affects the child’s confidence, activity levels and diet and may lead to sleeplessness, constant headaches and a change in eating habits. Most parents are not involved in their children’s Internet surfing habits and are not aware of which sites they visit. The growing trend to use the Internet without a check among children all over the world is a matter of serious alarm and concern for parents.
They must wake up before the light of their children’s future begins to dim by misuse of the Internet. They must actively participate in deciding what children need to access online and what not to, if they truly wish their children to grow up without their innocence being corrupted or tainted. Technology as an invention is not a bad but the use of restricted content on the Internet by children will have a long term psychological implications upon their growing soul. It is time for parents to realize how important their involvement means to the education of their children.
MARYAM HEDAYAT
