Blog 9 Research Project Intro

Abstract:

The U. S. Census bureau reports that children ages 5 to 17 have extensive access to computers. Between 1993 and 1997 access among this age group increased from 32% to 50% at home and from 61% to 71% at school. These numbers (in the year 2000) are now significantly higher. The report further states that, among households with computer access, 60% of children ages 3-5 years are actively accessing the computer, 84% of ages 6-11 use the computer and 89% of ages 12-17 years are accessing the computer (Smith). With this recent surge in usage by children (as young as 3) there is a need to educate them in cyberethics. CyberEthics also known as "cybercitizenship" and "netiquette." The definition of ethics is "rational process founded on certain principles" once that definition is taken and formated to fit the internet it is simply the correct way of acting on the internet when no one is looking. It is the study of moral, legal, and social issues involving cybertechnology. Children, as they are educated in school also, need to be educated about appropriate behavior on the internet and also its dangers. Parents need support because speaking to children about sensitive subjects is always difficult. If we can educate children at an early age about cyberethics there is a good chance that cybercrime will decrease in the coming years. This is the ultimate resource for parents who do not know where to begin.