Thesis: Internet Censorship should be allowed only to protect underage youth.
Introduction- Should Internet censorship be implemented?
Children under the age of 18 should be protected from what is on the internet.
Body 1- Damaging effects of internet on youth
Bullying
Predators
Body 2- Comparison to other products dangerous to those under 18 years of age.
Alcohol
Cigarettes
Nightclubs
Body 3- How to proceed?
Software put on computers where youth are likely to use the internet.
“Junior social media” option.
Conclusion- Summarize findings on justification for the implementation of internet censorship for under age youth.
No Underage Browsing
The Internet is one of the greatest tools invented and most of the world can hardly imagine life without the web. There are some countries that limit or ban what they allow their citizens to see online, which many think is unfair. Certainly adults should be allowed to freely browse the internet as they please, so long as no harm comes to another. However, in the case of those under 18 years of age it may be best to limit what they can see and do online. The following presentation is intended to convince the audience why this suggestion is fair and in the best interests of the youth across the world.
As the years go by, it is evident that there are some harmful effects to youth as a result of their use of the internet. There is material online that is inappropriate to the development of the young. One of the problems that has been seen among youth in this internet era is a rise in online bullying. Kids using social media have allowed a very public platform of humiliation that has led many of these children to suicide. In addition to the issues of bullying, there is the danger of predators online that parents and guardians cannot ignore. Sexual deviants disguise themselves to prey on young boys and girls, which has led to the sexual abuse and other dangers that exposes the children to strangers.
If anyone finds the suggestion strange or outrageous, perhaps it is important to remind the audience of laws that protect young people from access to certain things that is harmful to them at a time when they are not quite yet mature or ready to handle. For example, alcohol, cigarettes, and nightclubs have and age limit, so why not the internet? In the case of alcohol and cigarettes, it is obvious that these products can harm the bodies and development of young people, which is one of the most important reasons why they are illegal until the age of 21 and 18. Same goes for the nightclub scene, there are things going on in that environment that is unsuitable to young people. Therefore, it is entirely fair to consider an age limit and restriction on the browsing capabilities of those under the age of 18.
This can be done with software that parents and guardians can download onto their home computers or their children’s computers to ensure that their ability to browse is limited to content that is age appropriate. Even social media should be avoided by young people or create a “junior social media” platform that only underage kids can join. This way, predators cannot have open access to young people. Needless to say, schools should all incorporate limitations on what students can access online. However, the ability to protect kids from exposure is much too risky for a generation who can see and do nearly everything online.
In conclusion, it is not my wish that adults be censored from the online platform. It is the right of any citizen throughout the world to have the freedom to browse as they please. However, there are very real dangers for those under 18 that have already been seen as a result of relaxed internet rules that do not limit all young people from the inappropriate information and materials that they should be protected from. No one would argue the age restriction on alcohol, cigarettes, or entry into a nightclub, so there should be no major argument over suggesting a limited browsing capability and format that protects youth.
