Internet Safety

The internet is such an amazing tool when used correctly. Unfortunately, you don't have to have bad intentions to come across something horrible and dangerous on the net. Viruses that destroy your computer and pornography are two very scary things to me because these two things are irreversable. Once an image enters your mind, its there forever. For this reason, I am very grateful that we have taken the time to discuss internet safety. I have learned more of what to watch out for and how to proctect my students in the future when using the computer.
The coolest thing that I liked learning about was the net nanny site that makes it possible for you to limit the amount of time your kids are on the computer. I know that when I was a kid my parents tried setting a 30 minute computer limit on us but if they were around, and even if they were, it was never followed. This program will make it so that there is less parent/child comflict while still allowing for the time limit to be followed.
I will also use virus protection/scanning systems such as Norton Anti-virus and become more aware of the scams that are out there so that I can warn my students of what to avoid. Another thing I wiould like to warn my students about are the social networks online that allow people to make a cartoon character of themselves and live a fake "dream life" through that. This is actually really dangerous and not healthy psychologically. Plus, I just think its creepy.
Elder Bednar has said something profound on the subject of the bad affects of being lost in the internet: "Sadly, some young men and young women in the church today ignore 'things as they really are' and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value." Its a really great talk called "Things as They Really Are" and it can be found on lds.org: http://lds.org/liahona/2010/06/things-as-they-really-are?lang=eng&query=%e2%80%9cThings+They+Really+Are,%e2%80%9d .