The Government or The Family...

(In response to a comment made on one of my previous posts).
Is internet control a matter for the Government or the family? It is fantastic that the government has made some effort to control the uncontrollable – the Internet. Issuing free filters to Australian households and public libraries is the first step to protecting our children, our young friends and family members. It has also raised the question what next? And my answer is the next step lies within the home – lies with the family and the parents. Governments can supply computer programs and filters to deter online adult material being viewed but they can’t stand over your child’s shoulder and watch their every online move, every website they open and every online conversation they enter into. Parents however can.

The comment made on my earlier post raised an important point about the internet facilitating certain behaviours but not causing these such behaviours. I tend to agree. The internet is a vast space and the unanswerable question is can it really be controlled. Maybe the internet can not be controlled at a government level and as a whole, although it’s nice to know the Australian government looks like they are trying. On the other hand, an individual’s use, and certainly a child’s internet experience, can be controlled by parents and carers being aware, being stern, keeping a watch and communicating with their child.