Internet and children discussion

[Branda Stewart]

I want to know how you all feel about children using the internet for
research. I sometimes think it is a great tool, but then again I have
typed in some common words to search for and have gotten "adult"
websites. I realize most schools have blocks, but sometimes this
blocks useful sites. So how should the children go about researching
on the internet.

[Kelley Pounders]

Completely indespensible. At this point, children need to know how to
use the internet--and I mean really use it, to know how to filter
through the piles and piles of absolute garbage to get to real, good,
solid information. I think at this point it is absolutely vital to
educational and life success. The days where anyone could function
without internet access are coming to an end, so better start
preparing kids from an early age.

Internet safety is certainly important. I have a small son, small
enough that this isn't an issue yet, but I hope when the time comes we
can address adult content on the internet in a way that will let him
know that even if the content blocker doesn't catch it, it's still not
acceptable--because it promotes disrespect for self and others and if
for no other reason, it's illegal for him to view if he's under 18.
I'm still idealistic enough in my parenting to believe that teaching a
child why following my rules will benefit them is enough to make them
do it.

Now, in a class setting, I realize more vigilence and precaution is
necessary (as it might be at home to actually tackle the problem), but
the threat of internet porn just isn't big or bad enough to make me
think internet research shouldn't be fostered and encouraged. I didn't
make my child stop riding his bike because I was afraidof the cars on
the road--I put him in a helmet and walked beside him while he
pedaled! :D

[Lisa Parker]

I do not have any children yet, but I do know as a computer user that
when I type in a topic sometimes the website I get is NOT the one I
was searching for. As for children they need to be taught how to
browse the internet as safe as possible. If the child does not know
if the site is safe, then a parent or teacher should be close by to
assist them. Children are not going to be blocked from ALL harmful
sites on the internet, but with the help of adults they will be able
to research and find valuable information that they can use. If kids
are provided with the direct link to a website this will make their
browsing easier.

[Sherleen Thibodeaux it465]

I like the idea of children using the internet for research, but they
need to be monitored. I think that is the whole key.
I know the schools have blocks but like you I have typed in a keyword
and an adult site has come up. I think they
need knowledge about the internet. The sad thing is it is all placed
upon the teachers to do everything. Now a day
the parents do nothing and depend upon the schools to raise their
children. There is so much knowledge that can
be gained from the internet but there must be boundaries in order.

On Jul 3, 9:42 pm, Branda Stewart <brandastew...@gmail.com> wrote: