Purposful Planning: Quagmire

There is much to be said about people who take responsibility for their actions, and not blame others for their shortcomings. Mature people understand that they have the ability to take control of their lives. A mature adult with a family has to take charge and set boundaries(rules and regulations) for their off springs. It should be understood that it is the responsibility of the parent to police their children.

Parenting is not the responsibility of the school. The school is for educating children as they develop into adulthood to become productive citizens of society. Parents can't expect the school to provide all the needs of their children. They have to instill decent moral values in their children.

The school can inform parents and students of things such as sexting and cyberbullying, however once they are made aware it is their responsibility to use prudent discretion. They should report such incidents to authorities. Parents who are aware or suspect these acts are happening, should get involved especially if their child has knowledge of or is a victim.

Why is this happening and the students understand the seriousness of these crimes. I think the answer is in the way adolescents brain function. There is proof through recent research that adolescents continue to take risk, because there is something in the brain that gives them a sensation and its gratifying to them. Its like dopamine when we laugh, it triggers the brain to want more.

Having knowledge of this research can help us understand why they continue to take part in such acts. This should not be and excuse to let them off easy, because the victims suffer irreparable damage they will be with them for life. Sometimes causing death by suicide. Although we understand what triggers adolescents to continue to partake in these nonsensical acts, it should not lessen the consequences. In fact it is my opinion that stiffer punishment be administered for anyone involved in such crimes. I think that the parents should take some responsibility especially if they have seen signs relative to these acts.

Technological advances while good have placed great demands on parents and schools. We known have to watch for cell phones, ipods, and PS2's, which takes valuable time away from teaching. I think laws need to be enacted to effectively deal with all these, 21st century technological gadgets.

Sexting

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.