Internet Safety Readings

1. I chose to read the article Leave it Alone by Elder Peterson, an Emeritus member of the Seventy.
2. and 3. From Elder Ballard's talk, I loved how he talked about the good uses of the internet. Because the media is so HUGE, it can be used for good and bad. We should not avoid media just because of its bad uses. We must focus on the good, while shielding ourselves from the bad. Many of the other talks and readings addressed this importance. Other talks included some guidelines to remember for internet use in our homes. Although some were obvious (place computers in high-traffic areas and place filters on computers), I was especially convinced of some of the other points made. We should teach our family about the dangers of the internet, being open and honest. I should not be afraid to speak about certain topics with my children in the future, because some issues are too serious to be ignored. I also need to teach my children to not be afraid to let someone know if they come across something that makes them uncomfortable on the internet. One of the main points I will remember, is to have open communication with my family, to create a comfortable environment where we can be honest with each other and keep each other safe.
Brother Graham's article provided great ideas for good uses of technology. We need to use technology with our children positive and uplifting ways. There is no need to be scared of technology or the internet, but they must be used in positive ways.
4. Learning about internet safety has made me want to talk to everyone I care about! Parents are more clueless than they think. If parents become informed, then their children can be saved from worry and sadness. I want to teach and control what my sisters do on the internet, but I can't. I think having simple conversations with them about what I know will help them more than any lecture would. I think expressing my love and care for my family with help them protect each other from the evils of the internet.