Internet Safety

When I think of internet safety I generally think in terms of my own safety, that is to say I have been more worried about identity theft or credit card fraud, then about meeting people or coming across objectionable material.

That being said, I was always aware that many dangers existed on the internet beyond these simple ones. Having now watched and read the materials assigned I am fearful for young people. I teach in a high school and am aware of just how naive and gullible teenagers can be. I tend to use assignments that include some internet research and now am a bit concerned. I would like to think that I am pointing my students in the right direction, but in all honesty how can I really know? The internet has apparently become a scary place. Considering the fact that it started as a place to simply share research among universities, it is amazing that it has turned into what it is. However because of what it is, it tends to encourage wrong doing on some levels. The bottom line then becomes that our kids need to have access restricted somehow and adults need to act as watchdogs. I realize my position on this is bordering on "gloom and doom" but for something this valuable, to be dangerous at all, is something I can not get past.