Trident University International

ENG102 Module 3 Case

Children and the Internet

Darrell Brown

The Internet definitely contributed a lot to the development of humanity. Communication

within all parts of the world has been improved and easier more than ever. People now have the

advantage of obtaining all sorts of information and knowledge in just one click on the web. It is

more convenient now to accumulate and contribute advocacies, creative ideas and actions on

social concerns for the benefit of the masses. Yet, as people say, nothing good comes without the

bad. Of course there are still unconstructive consequences beyond all these profits. And to start

off, privacy concerns have been disturbing the community at present. Other than that, elderly,

especially parents have been worried on the hostile effects of the Internet on the growth and

development of their children. Attributable to the susceptibility and innocence of children, they

may not yet be aware of the harmful effects of using the Internet. That is why strict parental

guidance is very much needed when they are in exploit of this broad network of information.

In 2012, Clinton and Steyer stated that predators and devious people can effortlessly get

in touch with a child, converse with him and make him do awful things at their will. Imagine

how suitably it is to communicate with families over the Internet, how much more can the

wicked and deceitful persons conspire with the youth. Many incidents of misuse and abuse of the

Internet have been circulating the news recently. Desolately, only then the people recognize how

terrible and horrific things may have become if Internet was utilized criminally. With all these,
Clinton and Steyer (2012) suggested intensification of laws defending children with the Internet

as well as providing them education for the appropriate and lawful usage of it.

According to Patrick (2012), the Internet makes children more subjective to hazards such

as depression and isolation, social maladaptation, body breakdown due to decrease in physical

activities and even not being capable of distinguishing fact from fiction as a consequence of

doubtful resources on the net. In connection with this, Rowan (2013) tackled these side-effects

and how children can get used to it up onto their adolescence and harmfully influence careers,

jobs and relationships. He even adjudge to the outcome of how the Internet can be grounds on

early death. With all these essentials recognized, it is strongly suggested that all parents must be

knowledgeable on the safety measures to be done in able to avoid their children from the dangers

of the repulsive effects of the Internet.

Sawmy (2011) affirmed that indiscreet and too much use of the Internet may come up

with vulnerability to brutality and pornography. This is definitely disturbing to the society and

most importantly to children since they are still inadequate of discerning the just and evil. Even

though there are children well-educated and well-trusted by parents when dealing with seeing

and doing unpleasant deeds, it’s still best to be safe and secured. According to Patrick (2012), it

is not recommended to cut off internet connections at home to keep children away from the

dangers on the internet. Besides, it’s still a fundamental tool for a better education, a powerful

resource material and a very effective means of communication. There are also reports saying

that students that have Internet availability at home do better in school.

Jackson, Eye and Biocca (2003) said that to be able to take full advantage of the benefits

of the Internet for the development of children, parents’ involvement is immensely required. It is

explained by Patrick (2012) that children can improve creativity, visual intelligence, hand-eye
coordination, knowledge and teamwork through the use of the Internet. But nothing is good with

anything used extremely. Unnecessary use of the Internet always has its destructive effects. As

explained by Sawmy (2011), parents should be mindful of all their children’s actions when being

exposed to the internet. This is one of their responsibilities as parents; to be attentive and

interfere if a child is misusing and abusing access of the Internet.

References

Clinton, C. and Steyer, J. (2012). Is the Internet hurting children? In CNN Opinion. Retrieved

from http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/opinion/clinton-steyer-internet-kids/

Jackson, L., Eye, A. and Biocca, F. (2003). Children and Internet Use: Social, Psychological and

Academic Consequences for Low-income Children. In APA. Retrieved from

http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2003/12/jackson.aspx

Patrick, J. (2012). Physical and Social Effects of Internet Use in Children. In LiveStrong.

Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/516549-physical-and-social-effects-of-

internet-use-in-children/

Rowan, C. (2013). The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child. In The Blog. Retrieved

from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/technology-children-negative-

impact_b_3343245.html

Sawmy, M. (2011). The impact of Internet use on children/adolescents. In Government of

Mauritius. Retrieved from http://www.govmu.org/portal/sites/sid2011/files/Miss

%20Sawmy.pdf