CYBER CRIME - THE ROLE OF GUARDIANS IN CYBER SPACE. Part 1

Children are some of the easiest victims of cyber crimes .The increasing obsession of children with the internet chat and games is a matter of serious concern.The media has highlighted many cases of obsessed internet gamers ,some of whom have flunked out of school and committed suicide or murder.

Popular computer games for children having hidden sex trips are also producing adverse effects on the mind.For example ,the latest version of a popular game called "The Grand Theft Auto(GTA) looks like any other action packed 3D animation fare in which the player goes on a mission down city lanes .The innocent user will play within the apparent boundaries of an imaginary city ,modeled after Angeles.

But many young users all over the world including Zimbabweans are downloading a free patch from the internet that suddenly gives access to hidden alley.Parents do not know much about the games their children are playing.In fact some parents gift such games to their children.All that parents see on the children's computers monitors are stars ,rockets and the moon.With a mouse click the children hide what they do not want the parents to see.

Although some games with explicit sexual content are clearly labeled "A" the games like Grand Theft Auto do not come with such a warning ,obviously because the creators intended to hide the sexual content.The time has now come when the children and even adults should be given lessons about acceptable online behavior so that the internet may remain a safe and useful medium.There is also need to educate users on the danger being posed by cyber-crimes and how people can reduce the dangers of cybercrime.Parents and guardians have an important role to play in moulding the character and conduct of their children in the society.They can also play an important role in protecting children from the ill effects of cyber space.Since home is the first school,parents may teach their children how to use the internet and avoid the harmful sites with greater responsibility .

The following are some of the safety measures which guardians may adopt to protect their children from harm full effect of the internet:

• They should not give any kind of personal information such as residential address,schools ,home ,telephone number and others in chat room or bulletin boards.
• Children should not be allowed to be involved in face-to-face meetings with other computer users without guardians permission.
• Guardians /Parents should keep an eye on the children's companions.
• Children should be encouraged to inform the parents about any message receive by them.
• Children should be asked not to respond to messages which are obscene,suggestive ,belligerent and threatening.
• Guardians should know the online friends of their children in the same way they know about their other friends.
• Parents should permit limited use of internet by their children.

There are many websites which provide the appropriate guidelines for the parents and make available necessary software programmes for children's access to improper materials.The school teacher and libraries may provide appropriate guidance to the children.

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