As Jenkins put it “there is a need for education which stresses ethical responsibility and civic awareness” (Jenkins 2009) when it comes internet safety. In the real world we are provided with education on the content of other forms of media which so why not the internet?
The TV, movies and games classification system ( G, PG, MA etc) is a good example of educating people on the types of content found within these types of media. This system doesn’t physically stop children from watching content deemed unsuitable by the Government censorship board but it does help parents and institutions make decisions on what children watch when at home or school.
Furthermore it creates boundaries for people creating content to ensure it is suitable to children, and gives a place for people to voice objections to content. It is also a system heavily advertised, so most of us are educated on what each rating means.
Although a massive undertaking given that cyberspace is global – a similar system for websites could give parents extra information needed when deciding what is suitable content for their children and if combined with optional internet filtering software could help them prevent children from visiting sites deemed unsuitable.
I don’t think we should create laws that restrict content and access to it but I do think we should have a system in place that helps people to self regulate the content their children are exposed to in cyberspace.
Jenkins, H. 2009. Critical Information Studies For a Participatory Culture (Part Two). http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_43148_1%26url%3d (accessed 13/9/11).
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