The Internet is 20th century's most incredible invention. There is greater access to information and knowledge, all for free and from the comfort of home. However, with the Internet's great advantages comes the potential for abuse as well.
Children are exposed to many good and bad websites. The danger is always there that children may surf websites that deals with pornography or illegal activities such as piracy and hacking. Many children may not be monitored by their parents at all. In fact, parents might not be aware that their children are surfing such websites.
There have been stories about children being kidnapped for ransom or sale. There have been also numerous stories about children being sexually abused or exploited through people met via chat websites. Naif children are easily misled into harmful situation.
Then question then arises as to when children should be allowed to use the Internet.
When are they mature enough to read or watch the various streams of information that come through the internet? Should they have parental supervision?
I strongly believe that parents must be fully aware of what is going on in the lives of their children. They need guidance and advise. Parents cannot give up their role because they claim to be too busy or tired. They must take the time and trouble to be there for their children.
Children mature at different age. Only parents can know when their children are ready to deal with the various elements of the internet. If they can advice the children and guide them through the early year the children will be prepared to make their own decision as they grow older. Children need supervision and guidance through childhood and adolescence, especially in the modern world.
Children may resent parents' control strongly if parents interfere a lot when they are older. It is true that parents have to let go more of their control as the children grow older and hopefully wiser. It is unhealthy to keep them under their wings all the time. That will not work at all. However, during their growing years, it is good for parents to have a say in their children's activities.
