Past Principal Points

Having said that, it remains unproven as an educational tool, particularly in the elementary grades. There is considerable research, for example, indicating that the use of computers in a classroom does not improve reading and writing skills. There is evidence that even their motivational value wanes over time as kids get more familiar with them. When we add in the Internet, we run the danger of increasing our expenses and further reducing the role of the teacher in the classroom. (Remember, the teacher is the one thing students get at school that they can't get anywhere else.) So, we will continue to remain very cautious before spending a lot of time or money on it for those grades. The Internet does appear to be quite useful for teachers, as I said, and for students in the upper grades for some projects, and for that reason we encourage its use there more.

However, I want to remind you about the dangers of the Internet and your need as parents to protect your children from these problems. The Internet gives you and your children virtually instantaneous access to literally millions of pages of information and pictures on every topic imaginable. Looking for that hard to find book? Try Amazon books, the world’s largest book order desk. Want to find the latest research on reading development? Try the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). On it goes. These, of course, are worthwhile pursuits, but there is a lot that is simply a waste of time, and much that is downright dangerous. First, the Chat Groups and News Groups can be filled with foul language and/or people seeking immoral relationships with one another. It is best to keep your kids off them altogether. Second, there are sites given to graphic pornography more explicit than you will find on any newsstand. Once a young mind has seen the image, it is never erased. Even an innocent mistake can be harmful later in life.

What can you do? There are several things. First, most Internet Service Providers have some tools which allow children to "surf in safety." The advantage of this system is that it is taken care of by your ISP without your needing to download updates. The disadvantage is that it will block you out of some sites which are perfectly innocent. Second, there are a number of software programs which can be installed to protect your children from access to unwanted sites. One of the top rated of these programs is Cyber Sitter. (There is a link at our website.) It appears to be quite effective and gives control over both the Internet and Chat groups. You can even completely block access to the Internet during specified times. This is the program which we install on our computers at school. No system is fool proof, but this provides a minimum starting point. Third, parents need to either monitor what their children do or prevent their access entirely. Have the computer upstairs where it is visible to all. Limit the amount of time your children spend on it. Finally, do not let your children play at a friend's house unless they too have an appropriate protective system in place also. (Call the parents to find out.)

It is unfortunate but terribly true that the dangers posed by the Internet are not limited to children.  Pornography, in particular, poses a tremendous problem for men of all ages (teens to adults). It has become rampant in the church. Currently, in our house we use Cyber Sitter, and the password to unlock it is held not by me but by my wife. (Why? Because I don’t trust me!) Putting Internet access into your home with no control is liking putting a stack of Playboy magazines in your child’s (or husband’s) closet, and then telling them not to look at them. Hello?! Very unwise. The Scriptures tell us to flee sin and avoid even the appearance of evil. As the head of my household, I will stand before God at the Day of Judgment and be held accountable for my leadership. I don’t want to be found guilty of contributing to the sins of my children by putting a stumbling block before them. In this area, men particularly are wise to trust their wives and submit to their wisdom. I exhort every family to heed this word of warning.

Brian Hazeltine, B.Ed., M.A.
Principal, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School