Impetus

      The reason why I chose to research on the topic of the dangers of the Internet in relation to children is because I have a  burden on my heart on this issue. Not long ago , my mother asked " Joyce, once you get married and leave our house, Joelle is going to take over your room and your computer. I feel insecure knowing that she would soon be net-savvy while I'm not and that she would indulge in the Internet, chatting online and maybe surf sites which are not healthy for her. What do you suggest I do? 

   As I was in a hurry, I shot a reply," Just have the computer in a open area, i.e. the dining area or the living room, where everyone can see what she is doing!" Later, I realized that my parents work full time and would probably not be home all the time, so my mum's concern is a very real one. I told myself to do research on methods of regulating the Net for my sister's  consumption. I thought of doing so during the holidays. However, the opportunity to do so presented itself in this essay, therefore I'm really killing two birds with one stone.

   If you are reading this after going through my essay, let me make one last point. All the measures that I have suggested is only viable for parents who are Net-savvy. What if you are not a Net-savvy parent like my mum? Well. there are three ways to go about solving the problem. 1) Get acquainted with the Net! 2) Get an elder child( like myself) or some person to regulate the Net 3) Have the computer in an open area!

    My advice to my mother is to allow the Internet Service Provider to ensure a safe environment for my sister to surf in. However, she would have to find out from the various providers their criteria for what is considered offensive in their appraisal.