Parents and the internet for good and bad

BY SHAY CULLEN

THE MORAL and spiritual fabric of society is under stress and challenged as never before by the rapid and bewildering spread of Internet-powered social media platforms used by children, students and the youth. At an early age 200 million girls and 100 million boys have access to Internet-based platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and other websites where child and adult abusive images and materials and adult pornography is easily available.

The availability of low-cost smart phones has made it relatively easy for youth to have access to the Internet and a smart phone is a ‘must have” for the youth for social status with their peers and for keeping in contact with their friends. The availability of the smart phone, while it can be used for education and learning and positive and inspiring communication has its dark dangerous side.  Like a chameleon, it can change its color in an instant from good to bad. The Internet has accelerated the spread of insidious, evil and damaging child abuse images and adult pornography, viewed by children and youth and it is made available through the telecommunications corporations or Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

These corporations in the Philippines and elsewhere enable and make possible the spread, proliferation and access to the child abuse and exploitation materials and many refuse to install blocking software to filter it out to protect children and adults. In the Philippines, the law (section 9 of RA 9775) dictates that PLDT, GLOBE and DITO must install the software. They refuse to do it.

Parents worldwide are losing touch with their children as the youth move away from parent control into the secret world of social media and have their own circle of contacts on their own Facebook accounts and messenger chat rooms. Through these platforms, undetected by parents, they get in contact with strangers and make special relationships with them. For some, it is a prelude to sexual abuse or exploitation.

Parents, communities and schools need to focus  much more on the spiritual life and values formation of the children and youth. Parents need to be role models and heroes to their children by doing inspiring good works as an integral part of being Christian with their children beside them helping. The children will be inspired by the practical service and learning by doing. They will learn the value of sharing and giving and helping.

When parents notice changes in their reclusive child, that spends long hours alone in the bedroom, or loses interest in school and studies, or has a secretive or rebellious attitude with parents, then there is a possibility that they are accessing child abuse material or are in a secret relationship with a groomer or boyfriend or girlfriend on-line. It is not always a suspected drug abuse problem. (To be continued)/PN