Comments on: Is Internet good for children?

By: Children and the Media « Random Reflections

Children and the Media « Random Reflections — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:23:39 +0000

[...] like porn, inappropriate chat and cyber-bullying. Therefore, care must be taken by parents to protect children while they are online since they are not in a position to fend for themselves at their tender [...]

By: Robyn McMaster

Robyn McMaster — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:40:08 +0000

Arun, I met your challenge and have a follow-up blog entitled Children’ Brains on Video Games and the Internet. Hope you like it!

By: The Purple Corner » Purple » Video Green Geek : learn from Harry !

The Purple Corner » Purple » Video Green Geek : learn from Harry ! — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:01:48 +0000

[...] way to stay involved with your child's online usage and guide as suggested in this article by Arun Rajagopal. Special thanks for the inspiration goes to Little Laura's Twenty Five Days to Make a [...]

By: Mike Sansone

Mike Sansone — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:08:25 +0000

Love Susan’s metaphor. One I use is driving. We see many different ways to use cars effectively and productively – tho many use them irresponsibly. It doesn’t stop us from driving or learning to drive.

The Internet has become the center of the world we live in. Proper use (and instruction of such use) is GREAT for children (of all ages).

By: Susan sridhar

Susan sridhar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:58:50 +0000

The Internet is like fire. You either use it or abuse it. Children who for example are introduced to sex on the Net unfortunately learn all the perversions before they know the straight facts!!! Thats sad.

By: Rekha Baala

Rekha Baala — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:29:35 +0000

hi! arun, this is rekha baala here. Looks like the topic has thrown up some interesting views. i read your take on it and actually follow the points you have mentioned! Though we have reached the stage where we cannot do without the Internet in our lives, i believe it has also limited our creativity to a large extent…

By: Shaping Youth

Shaping Youth — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 08:12:30 +0000

Arun, as you know, I’m on BOTH sides of this issue in a huge way…so content and context is key.

There are pioneering opportunities in using digital learning in virtual worlds and social media in new & exciting ways, and yesterday, I just gave a session on ‘green media’ to middle-schoolers showing “green teens” how to use the web as a springboard into outdoor knowledge with enriching resources to enhance their time in nature, from reviews of parks/trails/tracking pawprints and such to wilderness advocacy, recycling, and visionary pursuits in-world for sustainability.

That said, I’ll tackle this challenge as soon as I can come up for air from the blogosphere brouhaha on the Target campaign which I slammed for ‘normalizing objectification’ in the big box retail sphere but somehow devolved into a diluted UGC opinion poll of “spreadeagle vs. snowangel” focusing on the minutiae of the one ad itself. (talk about hijacking a global conversation into a silly ad debate, sheesh)

Anyway, yes, there’s internet risk, and even damage taking place (cyberbullying, pornification cues, & commercial infiltration of media/marketing messages in surround sound) but frankly, that’s not confined to the internet…that’s ambient advertising and universal appearance-based cues undermining kids’ sense of self-worth.

So again…content and context. Thanks for the opportunity to take it on…will do…Just gimme some time as I’m drowning here!

(p.s. our readership in India has spiked, and somehow I’m thinking you have something to do with that…I’m crediting you regardless, just knowing you’re such an ambassador of conversation!)

By: Arun Rajagopal

Arun Rajagopal — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:48:53 +0000

Robyn: I’m looking forward to hear your views on this subject. I think the Net can play a productive role in shaping young lives. While there is no dearth of literature on how social media and other tools can do a world of good for individuals and businesses, it would be interesting to look at their effects on children.

Cam: Thank you! – it’s important that children get to benefit from the best of both offline and online worlds.

By: Cam Beck

Cam Beck — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:39:46 +0000

Arun – It looks like you hit on all the key points. While admitting risk, you provided a constructive solution for parents. Kudos.

By: Robyn McMaster

Robyn McMaster — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:59:48 +0000

Arun, I pretty much side with you that the Internet can be very good for kids, but it also can have a dark side if there’s no supervision. I really go along with #1 about parental mentoring.

Thanks for providing stats from the PEW research. That gives a great window into the ways teens use the internet!

I’m up for the challenge you gave me Arun. It isn’t a topic I’ve blogged on but I’ll look into it from a very different angle and see what results!