A study conducted by the National Institute on Media and the Family shows that the children who consume the most violent media were the meanest ones at school. Children learn by what they see, and if we think that four-year-olds learn something from Sesame Street, then we better believe that ten-year-olds learn something from WWF Smackdown. Children see something on television and think that it is all right for them to do it as well.
The Internet is a very widely used form of media. It is commonly used for e-mail, research, games, news, weather, entertainment, and chatting with people that may be long-distance to call. There are many uses for the Internet that can bring about high-quality results. The Internet has a reputation for anarchy, but in practice, it is monitored and policed. From the actions of the Internet Watch Foundation to the notorious snooping law, the internet is fast becoming one of the most regulated media in history.# There are, however many ways to get around regulations, as well as many downfalls to the internet.
Parents may not always see what their children are doing online. There are several things that can be harmful when viewed by children. Pornography is a major issue. Although Internet pornography sites should make sure the viewer is eighteen years old, kids still find ways to view the pornography. Child porn is something illegal to produce or view at any age, but became popular when the Internet and all the other porn sites did. .
Chat rooms are another downfall of children using the Internet. When children go into chat rooms or on an instant messenger,# it is usually innocent on their part; the just want to talk to other kids who are their age. There are, though, several older people who will go into kids" chat rooms with a silly screen name and try to manipulate kids, try to get them to meet them somewhere, or introduce cyber sex. Kids think they are safe talking to others online, but many don't realize the danger.
