Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 163
163 APPENDIX 3 INTERNET SAFETY Keeping our Children Safe in this High-Tech World We are living in a world where the Internet and hi-tech gadgets have become the norm of the society. Though there is no doubt that the Internet and hi-tech gadgets are beneficial, one should also be aware of the dangers that lurk underneath such technologies. We also have to face the fact that our children are smarter than we are when it comes to technology. A two-year old is better at handling a smart phone or a tablet than understanding how to turn the pages of a book. A five-year old can tell you how to hook up your DVD player but not how to tie his shoelaces. Most parents are either not familiar with current technology, or are technologically-challenged. In order to protect children, parents have to become knowledgeable about what the world around them holds, and what type of life our children are facing. Parents should do their homework and learn what it takes to keep children safe online. Before the invention of computers, Internet, and cell phones, parents only had to monitor the telephone conversations that their children were having. It was easy to hear what they were saying. It was also relatively easy to monitor what shows they were watching because the television used to be in the family room. Now most children have their own smart phone or laptop and, once a child goes into his/her room and shuts the door, they are in their own world, allowing themselves to be exposed to all sorts of harm. A parent has to first establish who is in authority. Many times, children manipulate the parents in such a way that they are able to get away with almost anything. It is the parents ’ responsibility to issue clear guidelines regarding the use of hi - tech gadg ets , both in side or outside the house.