Free Website Content - The Anonymity of the Internet
Attempting to legislate the Internet will
not work, as the Internet is global and covers areas where
no single government's rule applies. The jurisdiction issues
make the Internet a haven for fraudulent and illegal activity.
Child exploitation and the rise of Internet
related crimes is increasing. Child exploitation has no
boundaries; pedophiles exist in every socioeconomic, ethnic
and religious community. Consider these statistics, 20%
of children online are approached sexually online. 89% of
those advances take place over instant messaging. Online
predators prowl, rebellious teenagers are opportune targets,
and shared personal details often make them become victims.
This further fuels the discussion of who is
who. Are they really who they say they are, or claim to
be? The Internet is far more complex and "anonymity" might
in fact provide the protection that surfers are seeking.
The anonymity of the Internet is a cause for
concern. Pedophiles hide behind the protection of anonymity,
creating ideal profiles being exactly the friend that impressionable
youngsters want them to be. The fact is that a child doesn't
always know with whom they are interacting with. All of
this makes education critically important.
Children, adolescents, and teens must realize
and understand the risks associated with Internet activities
and modify their personal habits in order to stay safe online.
Sharing private information is just not acceptable. Parents
must realize that the Internet is part of world in which
our children are living, and as much as we would like to
shelter them, it has become an integral part of their worlds.
Much like the warnings that youngsters today grow up with
about not talking to strangers, parents must redefine who
strangers are, so that their children will accurately understand
the online dangers. The critical element to staying safe
online is to be educated and understand the very real risks
associated with online surfing.
While remaining anonymous is part of the problem,
on the Internet, it might actually be a protection. If Pedophiles
can hide behind screen names and pseudonyms, why can't children?
If an adolescent is participating in online communities,
whether its for educational purposes or social entertainment,
creating an anonymous identity will help shield their personal
information. Personal information related to location should
still not be shared but the additional layer, might help
shelter the child from unwanted attention.
While anonymity is a protection for the children,
it also allows them the freedom to be children. Today's
employers often search the Internet for information about
potential employees. Additionally colleges and private schools
will often search a students history on the Internet prior
to offering them admission. As children grow, their views
and opinions often change. The Internet's timeless and endless
archive of those opinions may no longer be an accurate reflection
of who a child has become. Children who post anonymously
can afford the luxury of being a child, without the evolution
of their opinions being available in a searchable archive.
Anonymity on the Internet might be a tool
to help keep children safe, while venturing into the global
Internet.
For additional tips to keep children safe
online see:
Security Port - http://www.security-port.com
Wired Kids - http://www.wiredkids.org
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and
podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for NotePage
http://www.notepage.net
a wireless text messaging software company.
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the issue or a link to any online posting would be greatly
appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
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