Computer And Internet

.As the world conforms to newer technology, we have to be able to adapt in an environment that is advanced and scary.  As a teacher, I can see both benefits and disadvantages in what technology and the Internet have to offer.  Children can learn so much by just clicking a mouse. As a parent, I am terrified of the Internet and technology because it is not monitored and used appropriately by many people.  I have figured out that too much technology over stimulates children and it restricts children to a screen there fore they are not engaged in lots of things that affect their development such as, social, fine, and gross motor skills. The Internet and technology hinder children in general because they are not involved in conversations with other children and adults.  They become consumed by these devices and it influences them in a negatively rather than positively. “15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is notin them. 16For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and thepride oflife-comes not from the Father but from the world. 17Theworldand its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2 15-17, NIV) Children should be monitored at all times and restricted on the time spent using it.   Monitoring and restrictions will cut back on so many negative aspects on technology and the Internet but parents have to be willing to enforce those rules.  Unfortunately, I have realized that it is much easier for a busy parent to sit their child down with a tablet so they can have time to themselves.  Another way that parents, churches, and even schools can help is to teach the dangers of the Internet to their children and to other adults.  If we stand back and not talk about the issues at hand then we are doing nothing to stop the problems that can come from the Internet.

2.  Internet use within childhood is an important matter of discussion. As someone working to become a school guidance counselor, the topic is applicable; especially to safety.

Internet communication (email, chat rooms, messaging, etc.) affects adolescents specifically. It’s changed the way they communicate (Martorell et at., 2014). Studies indicate that teens who spend a lot of Internet time spend less time with friends, have fewer friends, and reduce social connectedness and well-being (Martorell et at., 2014). This goes to show how Internet communication affects relationships with others.

Internet predators is another important topic pertaining to online communication. The internet grants much freedom. Teens are essentially free to communicate with whomever they want on the Internet (Louge, 2006). This poses a danger since others may mask their identity while communicating with children, adolescents, etc.

Fake identities are easy to produce and to sell on the Internet. Teens will often create personal pages where they can make up or post their real identities, personal profiles, and pictures on websites such as Myspace and the Facebook. This poses a safety risk since it is difficult to discern someone’s “real” identity over the Internet (Louge, 2006, p.3).

However, there are ways to safeguard youth on the Internet. First, parents and churches can pray for safety and the making of good Internet-use choices. “…The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16, ESV). Finally, being aware of the child/adolescent’s life/being present is an important means of safeguarding. In this, measures can be taken to restrict, monitor, etc. if needed. It additionally shows the child you care for them and their safety. “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah” (Psalm 32:7, ESV).