The information content that is apparent on Internet sites is seen to change the behavioural patterns of those who participate, especially in concern with children. There is the issue of indecent exposure in regards to online games, chat rooms, and information content on the Internet. All these issues are creating a moral panic within society. However, is it really the Internet that is to blame, or more the lack of parental guidance and support with children?
Much of the present concern about the Internet centres on the perceived risks posed to children, through exposure to undesirable or controversial on-line content (Spalding, Gilding, & Patrick, 1996, p.14). It is this factor that is putting an increasing amount of blame onto the Internet, as the source of corruption amongst teenagers and children (Wilkins, 1997, http:www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1374/is_n5_v57/ai_19804297)
With the Internet containing much information on a variety of topics, it is no wonder that the Internet is receiving much designated blame on the corruption of children. One of these topics that is causing great concern is the widely held belief that pornography is easily accessible to all children who are using the Internet (Wilkins, 1997, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1374/is_n5_v57?ai_19804297).
Another issue that has caused fear amongst society is the retrievance of instructions on how to make bombs from the Internet. With further research, one will find that the source for obtaining this information comes from a book published in 1971 “The Anarchist’s Cookbook� (2004, http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=10447). While information on creating bombs was around long before the introduction of the World Wild Web, people are tending to blame the Internet for their children’s behaviours just because the information is more easily accessible. So the question that needs to be asked is “is the Internet really causing a panic within society in regards to the safety and well being of children, or is it just the sharp reality that parents need to be more aware of their children’s actions?�
Spalding, B, Gilding, J, & Patrick, K. (1996) Management of Student Access to Controversial Material on the Internet, Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.ISBN 0644360631
Stop Blaming the Internet (2004) Retrieved October 25, 2004, from http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=10447
Wilkins, J. (1997) Protecting our children from Internet smut: moral duty or moral panic?, retrieved October 25, 2004, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1374/is_n5_v57?ai_19804297
Katie Johnson 09:27, 29 Oct 2004 (EST)
