[Kaimee]: 5.Random Essays.Internet Safety

http://www.woodworksezine.com/2004/ww_december2004.pdf
The last Woodworks issue ever
Check out page 20, they might as well go out with a big cynical bang...
Editorial: No Action is Less than Action

I dont know how many of you read the woodworks ezine, I dont know how many of you will agree with this particular article, but I just noticed this marvellous little piece of opinion... and I want to know exactly how these people plan on initiating it? I mean, dont get me wrong, it would be GREAT to have peadophile-free internet, and not have to look out for the weirdos who give the net a bad name, but how are we supposed to stop them? and how are we to prevent children from pretending to be older? and how are we to stop anyone interacting with anyone they dont know, just incase one of them is too young, or they'll get romantically involved, or one of them simply turns out to be mentally disturbed?

I mean, yeah, we could expect everyone to behave as they would in "real life" and not accept candy from stangers but hello? Whats the first information given to kids who are allowed on the internet? Dont tell anyone your real name, dont tell them where you go to school, dont give them your address, your phone number, your bank details, remember that anyone could be anyone --- no matter what they say --- and that you cannot trust people you do not know, many will be ok, but you could end up talking to a paedophile.

Everyone should be going by this advice, but not to the extent where they assume anyone they do not know in "Real Life" is therefore a greasy fat 65 year old man, who lives in his mothers basement... just to paraphrase a statement i heard recently ;) The sensible thing everyone should be doing here is to use caution when privately chatting to anyone you dont know. But remember folks, your next door neighbour could turn out to be a serial killer, and you'll still send your kids in to borrow a cup of sugar right? The new kindergarten teacher could be a paedophile, but you dont automatically assume they are. The 'Internet Safety Rules' we got quoted to us in primary school apply to everyone, everywhere, whether on here or at the supermarket. And just because one person doesnt follow them does not mean they are faulty, or that the net is an unsafe place, or even that you should never trust anyone you dont know ever again. The net is a great place to make new friends, like you could make friends with someone next in line at the shops, but use caution, practise safety, and dont blame a site when you or someone else doesnt.

Thanks much for reading, and remember, there will always be stupid people, but its as much our fault as it is yours :)

~Kaimee, your friendly neighbourhood 18 yr old girl, who doesnt give out her bank details.

© Kate-Aimee Conrick. All rights reserved!

Edit:

hehe, <URL:/herald/th10/net_safety.htm> :D