It is increasingly apparent that schoolchildren benefit tremendously from the Internet. During the recent H1N1 crisis, some families went overseas to Indonesia in the school break and had to be quarantined. As such, some children were not able to attend school and to have normal lessons. However, the Internet proved very useful in such situations, where online learning packages were uploaded on the school’s website and this allowed the children to have their lessons at home, ensuring that they did not lag behind the others in their studies. The Internet has many uses for children as well, as they can discuss their school projects or share files online. The email is also a convenient way to send messages as it reaches the other party in no time at all and can be stored in the inbox for as long as the other party wishes, making it an ideal tool for schoolchildren to use to inform their teachers if there is anything wrong. The various search engines available on the Internet greatly helps schoolchildren with their work as it provides instant information from thousands or millions of different sources that they can use if they encounter any doubts at home.
However, some have raised concerns about how the Internet is affecting schoolchildren negatively. For example, a kid can spend the day playing online games and only do his homework at night. As a result, he sleeps very late each night due to him being unable to complete his homework by midnight. This causes him to only have just below six hours of sleep each day, making staying awake in class a big problem for him. On the other hand, some kids finish their homework first but his teachers have given feedback that he often commits plagiarism, copying information wholesale from the Internet. After investigation, it is found that he rushes to complete his work, not putting in the effort to do a good piece, in order to have as much time as possible to start playing other online games. I feel that these games are causing children to lose interest in studying and, instead, making them prioritise playing over studying. Not only do they just play these games, they use real money to do so. I recall my younger son approaching me asking me for fifty dollars. When I asked why, he replied that he wanted to “marry” someone online and give them presents. A week later, he asked for more money, as he wanted a divorce and that required more money. The game is introducing the concept of marrying as something casual and not a lifelong dedication and I am concerned that it may affect the way my sons think about marriage. Other than game addiction, I also am very worried about what my children are doing online. As I am unable to keep constant watch on them every single moment of the day, they may surf sites and unwittingly download viruses or they may chance across pornography. This adds to my stress during work and I have to make it point to call home every afternoon to check on what they are doing. For example, my elder son once downloaded a game programme that was loaded with a virus. Once he opened it, the virus infected the computer and with it all my own files that was stored in the computer as well. As a result, the computer could not be used and my files were all lost, causing me to be unable to submit the reports that I had done.
I feel that although the Internet helps children with their homework and allows them to complete their work in a more efficient manner, they need to learn how to use it properly and learn about the consequences of plagiarism. Schools should hold Internet safety talks and teach students the proper way to utilise the Internet to its full potential as only then can it be a boon to mankind and not a gift sent from the devil that we unwittingly opened.
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Written by a High School Student
Essay awarded High Distinction (26 out of 30 marks possible)