Children and the internet

The internet has become a place for anything and everything.  If you have a question about something, there is Google.  If you want to watch a video about literally anything, there is Youtube.  If you want to communicate with your friends and see what they're up to, there is Facebook.  These are three most popular sites on the web.  http://mostpopularwebsites.net/.  With the right tools, a person can access anything using the internet.  People use the internet regardless of age, young and old.  This however can pose as a problem.  Is the internet a safe place for children?

Most of us have heard of the Dateline NBC show called "How to Catch a Predator", and the famous catchline from Chris Hanson, "Why don't you have a seat over here" to the predators the catch as they walk in the door.  The reason these people, usually older men, walk in the door is to meet, and have sexual activities with a person in the age range of 12-14 years old.  I did say they meet a person, not just a young girl, because there have been many cases where an older man comes to meet and engage in sexual activities with a young boy.  Both young boys and girls are not safe on the internet without being properly taught how to use the interent safely. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912603/.   This site is from dateline nbc and talks about how unsafe the internet can be.  These people see it happen in front of their eyes, everyday.

Let's be honest, its inevitable that children are going to use the internet.  They have to sooner or later, especially for school.  http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-use-the-internet/  The web page I posted here is steps on how to teach children to use the internet safely.  There are definately things they need to stear way clear of, and maybe hold off of Facebook for awhile.  My mom teaches second grade, and just the other day one of her students friend requested me on Facebook.  I'm sorry, one I am twenty years old and do things a second grader should not see.  If he see's pictures of me getting drunk with all my friends, and he looks up to me what do you think he is going to think about alcohol.  Even things like facebook could seem harmless for a child to have, but it definately is not.