Emerging technologies if used practically and ethically can be used as tools to enhance, reinforce and support academia. However, as with anything that deals with communications people will find ways to circumvent decent morals and ethics to cause harm. It appears that the ones who are victims of such malicious acts of indecency, need some sort of support system to educate them on how to avoid this nonsense. We all have the responsibility to inform our kids, whether they are apart your family, community, school, church or civic organization, about the ethics of using emerging technologies.
I was astounded by the proliferation of "Sexting" as I watched the news videos. Just imagine if either of those kids were yours. How would you feel if someone was cyber bullying your kid. Worst what if one of those girls who committed suicide was your daughter. It is important that you explain and teach your children how to be responsible when using emerging technologies as communicative too. We have to take the initiative to police them so that they do not hurt others and worst themselves.
It is my opinion that the laws which are in place need to be revised or amended to help prevent people, especially kids from the unethical practices that pervades the internet such as cyber bullying. People have a tendency to justify the need and use of cell phones in schools because of events such as 9/11. I agree that some alternate form of communication is needed, in the event of a catastrophe.
I think concerned citizens should write to there congressman or congresswoman and demand that steps be taken to enact laws that will levy stiff punishment on people who commit unmitigated crimes of self fulfillment. It is our responsibility as a nation to help protect innocent victims who fall prey to unscrupulous acts by bullies who use emerging technologies to do harm to others.
When things get to that level getting the police involved at as early a stage as possible is the best bet.
ReplyDelete