For this project I read this article in from the August 2005 Ensign entitled "Fighting Internet Filth". I also watched the below PSAs about internet safety-
Both the article and the videos helped to remind me of all the garbage on the internet and all of the bad things that go on.
I really liked the Ensign article because it gave very practical advice on how to avoid problems in your home. And while the article is aimed at parents, I think it is wise for us as college students to acknowledge the vast array of filth that can be accessed on the internet and to learn how to best avoid it- and what we can do when we do run across it. I especially liked the idea of filters and bookmarking favorite sites- because those are solutions that I can use right now and that I can easily implement in my future home, work place etc.
The videos- are slightly creepy, with menacing music. But they too are good reminders of the dangers that exist on the internet- especially for young, innocent and unsuspecting children. Like in the Ensign article- it's imperative that parents know what their children are doing on the internet, and it is especially important for parents to discuss the dangers of the internet with their children so that they too are aware.
I think it's important that the more informed (me!) discuss the aspects of internet safety with those who may be less informed. I think it's just important to make people aware. And as a teacher I think that is something that I will want to address with my students. I think perhaps as we do research via the internet it could be a good time to discuss it, so that it is pertinent to the material and doesn't seem weird or random. I know that parents have the responsibility primarily, but I think a lot of the time it's the teachers job to pick up the slack.
For this assignment I talked to my mom about internet safety. I have four younger brothers at home and internet safety has been a large concern in our family because of the problems that we've seen around us. My parents are both very aware of the concerns with internet safety and we discussed what they are doing to help protect and inform my brothers. My family has a system of passwords in place that only my parents know (and my older sister and me) and so when my brothers want to get on the internet they have to ask- this allows my parents to be aware of who is on the internet and when. They also have lots of filters and my parents regularly check the internet history to be aware of what is being viewed. I think that my parents are doing a lot better than some others and I'm really pleased with their level of awareness.
