Youths should know that ……By: Phillip Payne II

Youths should know that there can be many dangers involving the internet. The internet has its good and bad points. It’s for resources but it has viruses and sexual predators on it also. Have you ever encountered a deadly computer virus or been face-to-face with a widely known sexual predator? Things like these can be avoidable if you go according to my council. The world is getting worse and worse involving how people act. Everyone thinks everyone else is a good person by seeing their smile. Well just because they smile doesn’t mean they are a good person. There are millions of sexual predators around the world that will do anything to you when they get the chance. Youths though are predators more likely target because they think they know it all and they have less experience in surviving because they haven’t been here as long as adults have. To be aware of these dangers I have conjured up a list of things that youths should be aware of when they are on the internet.

First of all, the basics: NEVER EVER GIVE OUT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION! When you are logged on to the computer, never give out something that can be linked to where you live or how you can retrieve money from the bank. This is how your life that could be going uphill will have a big downfall. This could be where when youths make mistakes they cause problems for their parents. When you are talking online know the people you are talking to. Anyone could be on the other side of the computer you are talking to. Make sure you never meet up with someone off the internet without a parent because 1) You don’t really know the person on the other side and 2) you don’t know what they are capable of. Never give a picture of the real you. Don’t give some one your password because they would be able to enter your account and access information about you that you might not want them to access. Never go on the internet without your parents’ approval, they know what’s best for you. Your parents should monitor your computer use to the best of their ability so you know what you are up to. Never ever agree to do anything with people online. Again, you have no idea if they are a kidnapper or your real friend. Don’t accept people as your computer friends who you don’t know personally. Even if you are a very lonely person never make friends that you don’t know or haven’t seen. The thinking pattern of the person on the other side of the computer could be dangerous to you and your family.

Finally, the internet isn’t the safest place in the world so watch who you talk to and be responsible. If your parents let you go on the computer without their supervision don’t take advantage of that. They trust that you will make mature decisions. Youths are the prey and the predators are unjust sexual predators a wrong decision can change your whole life course in a matter of seconds. Don’t forget your parents are there to help you if you need that help all you need to do is ask for it that is what they are there for.