Kids and Computer Danger

For some reason, people seem to think the kids of today are far more intelligent and sophisticated than any generation that came before them. Much of this has to do with the fact that they are so adept with their computer skills. However, a poll conducted by Microsoft had shown that this is not necessarily the case.

Almost 70% of those polled between the ages of 10 and 14 believe they can't be hurt online. They seem to think that everything they do online is private. 11% reported strangers asking them for their addresses and phone numbers.

In many cases these kids believe they are so safe that talking to strangers with the computer as a buffer doesn't seem to bother them.

More and more frequently I read stories in the newspaper of cops posing as kids in order to flush out online predators. Just this fact alone makes me believe the problem is obviously growing and is serious cause for concern.

In all of this there is one question that comes to mind. Where are the parents when this is taking place?

Something has been lost in the deluge of technology that is almost becoming suffocating. Kids are taught how to use each new technological breakthrough as soon as it appears, but somehow safety issues have taken a back seat.

We put lots of effort into warning our children not to talk to strangers or to be careful crossing the street. Why is it so difficult being just as diligent in cautioning them about computer internet safety?

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the older generation is just not that computer wise. For instance, I could not even turn on a computer 4 years ago and I'm 57. I just didn't grow up with the technology. So maybe todays parents think their kids know more than they do, so what's the use of lecturing them?

What we fail to realize is that todays kids are not street wise. Most of their world revolves around a computer screen. If we as adults don't tell them, how are they ever going to learn about the evil that lurks within?

How will they ever know that there are some very evil people in the world. Worse yet, they just might be chatting with one of them as we sit unaware in the next room.