Categories: uncategorized
Date: 28 April 2005 21:29:11
Interesting article on Internet illiterate failing children
This type of article worries me and also makes me realise how lucky I am.
Although libraries and other centres have internet use, often free and IT courses are increasingly being promoted at all levels at the end of the day it will still come down to those who can afford it will and those who can't.
Those who are least lightly to afford will include lone parent families and other groups who are statistically more likely to be living in or around the poverty level. As such this type of article yet again emphasises the idea that they're failing (although it is only the computer literate who will read it - and judge). So let us pour more negative feelings on the "underclass" or those who are not part of the "underclass" but are simply having to juggle to survive and who would love to have a computer at home, to be able to learn how to use it properly, and help their children but can't.
Am I over - reacting again? Possibly, but having been there I know what it feels like and articles like this just don't help.
Just for once could we actually acknowledge that many of these parents are just as interested in helping their children succeed as others, but if you have to pritoritise food, the electric bill and a computer and internet use you only really have one option.
In terms of the other part of the article the internet is not a babysitting service (that's what the video is for) and so monitoring is important, but so is building up trust with your child. Answers on a postcard if you've found all the answers on this one - 'cause I know I haven't.