Internet Safety

1. What article did you choose to read for your article of choice?

My article was under the Media tab and it was titled The Message: Mushrooms, Music, Movies, and Magazines. It was a New Era article and it discussed how media can be similar to mushrooms, some are delicious and good for your body. Others, though, are poisonous and are almost always fatal. He spoke of one specific mushroom that was delicious but very poisonous. You didn't realize that it was bad for you because of its taste until it was far too late. This can very easily be compared to the problems with the media. So often, we enjoy what we watch, listen to, or read until it is far too late.

2. Describe the video resources you watched?

I watched all of the PBS videos, the iKeepSafe video, and 2 of the Netsmartz videos. The iSafe videos wouldn't load. I think I received the most information out of the PBS videos . I found most of it horrifying and it kind of scared me into not wanting to have kids. Not really, but I can tell, it's just going to get harder and harder. The BYU cartoon was cute. I think that is a great tool for younger grades.

3. Write a paragraph describing what your most important "take-aways" were from the readings and video?

I was impressed by the first article about "Let our voices be heard". I know I struggle with this because I enjoy my dumb shows, like Greys Anatomy and I know that the type of things that are portrayed on that show aren't appropriate.

In the second talk by Elder. Bednar, I was inspired by the emphasis he placed on our physical bodies and how much Satan uses that gift to attack us. I find it interesting just how much that really can be connected to Internet Safety because issues with the internet so often relate back to immorality and addiction.

The third article of guidelines was helpful. I find myself thinking about how I will be able to be open with my children someday about their use of the internet. It's such a stressful thing because you want your children to be open with you but you just can never be aware of everything. Plus, you want them to make good decisions for themselves. Also, when we got married, my husband and I placed filters on our Internet and I feel safer just by having them there.

The fourth article from Dr. Graham gave good, solid advice for how to keep our homes protected from the problems with internet use. I found the "preside" paragraph insightful. We, as parents, need to lead our families into righteous choices.

4. Write a paragraph or more describing the details of your "doing" experience (you don't need to include any names).

I talked to my mom about Internet Safety. I think she was aware of the problems that are out there, but maybe not the best ways to protect. There are still two children at home with her and they are really young, 8 and 5. Both of them enjoy getting on game websites, like PBSkids.org or Nickelodeon's website. I think she feels that they are at a harmless stage when it comes to Internet, but as I learned, it's never too early to introduce them to Internet Safety. Granted, they don't do any form of chatting. Plus, the desktop at home is ancient, so most computer use ends quickly because its so slow. I talked to her about having an FHE that discusses being private about our information and about what to do if anything uncomfortable pops up on the screen. I also suggested she should get filters on the computer that block anything with certain words or images and that has times specified on there. I think she felt appreciative of what I learned and shared with her. My mom doesn't have a lot of knowledge about the computer and I think that frustrates her, but I told her that I was always available to help her and answer any of her questions.