Internet Saftey Reflection

For the article that I read I chose Elder Bednars "Things as they Really are". I really liked this article and how it talked about how many great things the internet and technology have to offer if we use our intelligence and power to distinguish the things that are beneficial and real, from those that are harmful. It was a great reminder of how the adversary attacks youth today.
I looked through the NetSmartz website and the NetUtah videos section of the resources. I found both of these informative. What I liked was that there were a variety of target audiences, it showed that everyone needs to be careful on the internet and there is a lot more to be aware of than I think we all think. I also watched the BYU animation on internet safety, it was a really cute cartoon. I think it is a perfect way to teach children a very basic but crucial internet tip: to never give out personal information or to meet people you know nothing else about that you met online. Kids are so trusting that sometimes they dont realize the danger they are willing putting themselves in. This was a great way to inform children of the dangers of technology without destroying their innocence or scaring them.
The biggest take away for me from this assignment was that there are fun ways to protect those we care about and to protect ourselves. I think even I forget sometimes that not everything is as it appears and that not all the information that is presented is accurate. It really is important to teach children how to judge the media they come in contact with, search for, and use and to remind them that once something is on the internet it is done and there is no taking what you said or did back and that can be very hurtful to others and to yourself.
When I completed the doing part of this assignment, I really was surprised at how little people really do know about the many threats there are out there with technology. Everyone I spoke with knew the basics like dont give out your personal information to strangers and not to search for things you didnt want to see. But there is so much more to internet saftey. It surprised me how little people really think of the very real threats and dangers that are out there. It was interesting to see how truly uninformed we let ourselves become. It really opened my eyes to how necessary it is as educators and parents to be informed with the new technologies that are out there and to make sure that we outline specific guidelines to protect those we care about. Children take risks and are trusting and we cant afford to let them remain uniformed. The people I spoke with seemed to really appreciate the resources and information I was able to share and I anticipate that they will make improvements in their homes to be more informed and safe while using technology, in particular the internet.