Should Students get limited access to the Internet?

Written by: Arshan Shrestha - 28012, Grade VIII

Posted on: 03 July, 2023

It depends on the person’s perspective if you take this topic in a negative or positive way. On the other hand, the internet is a technical world where we explore the world while chilling on your bed. The Internet has a positive and negative impact.

So, let’s know about the negative. The internet is a powerful tool that has turned the way we live, work, and communicate. However, it also has a dark side. Here are some of the negative aspects of the internet:

• - Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet to bully or harass another person. This can include sending mean or threatening messages, posting embarrassing photos or videos, or spreading rumours online. Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on the victim's mental health and well-being.
• - Online predators: Online predators are people who use the internet to prey on children and young adults. They may pose as someone they're not in order to gain the trust of their victims, and then exploit them sexually or financially. Online predators can be very dangerous, and it's important to be aware of the risks before you interact with anyone online.
• - Internet addiction: Internet addiction is a real problem that can have serious consequences. People who are addicted to the internet may spend hours each day online, neglecting their work, school, and personal relationships. They may also become isolated from the world around them and develop mental health problems.
• - Fake news: Fake news is a type of false information that is spread online. It is often designed to look like real news, but it is actually fabricated or exaggerated. Fake news can be very harmful, as it can mislead people and damage their trust in the media.
• - Online scams: There are many online scams that can trick people out of their money or personal information. Scammers may pose as legitimate businesses or organisations, or they may use social engineering techniques to trick people into giving them their personal information. It's important to be aware of the risks of online scams and to take steps to protect yourself.

These are just some of the negative aspects of the internet. It's important to be aware of these risks so that you can use the internet safely and responsibly. Scene that vilify has a huge impact so the ways to prevent these thing fall under the positive site:

• - It provides access to information and knowledge. This can be anything from news and current events to educational resources and scholarly articles.
• - It allows people to connect with others from all over the world. This can be done through social media, email, or video chat.
• - It can be used for education and training. There are many online courses and resources available that can help people learn new skills or advance their careers.
• - It can be used for entertainment and recreation. There are countless websites, apps, and games that can provide hours of enjoyment.
• - It can be used for business and commerce. Businesses can use the internet to reach a global audience, sell products and services, and communicate with customers.
• - It can be used for social activism and political change. People can use the internet to raise awareness about important issues, organize protests, and contact elected officials.
• - It can be used for creative expression and self-development. There are many online platforms where people can share their work, connect with other creatives, and learn new skills.

Some ways to be safe from negative side of internet:

• - Be careful about what information you share online. Don't share your personal information, such as your address or phone number, with people you don't know and trust.
• - Be aware of the risks of cyberbullying and online predators. If you are being bullied or harassed online, tell a trusted adult.
• Use strong passwords and keep them safe. Don't share your passwords with anyone, and change them regularly.
• - Be careful about what websites you visit. Only visit websites that you trust.
• - Use a firewall and antivirus software to protect your computer from malware.
• - Keep your software up to date. This includes your operating system, web browser, and security software.
• - Be aware of the signs of online scams. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• - If you think you have been a victim of a crime online, report it to the authorities.

It is important to be aware of the risks of the internet and to take steps to protect yourself. By following these safety measures, you can help to keep yourself safe online.

So,as I mentioned, it depends on the age of the student and the purpose of the internet access. For young students, it is important to limit their access to the internet to protect them from harmful content. However, older students who are using the internet for educational purposes may need more access. Ultimately, it is up to parents and educators to decide how much internet access is appropriate for each student.

Here are some of the pros and cons of limiting students' internet access:

Pros:

• - It can help to protect students from harmful content such as pornography, violence, and cyberbullying.
• - It can help students to focus on their studies and avoid distractions.
• - It can help to save money on internet bills.

Cons:

• - It can limit students' access to educational resources and opportunities.
• - It can make it difficult for students to stay connected with friends and family.
• - It can make it difficult for students to learn about current events and the world around them.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to limit students' internet access is a complex one. There are both pros and cons to consider, and the best decision will vary depending on the individual student and their needs.