While it is true, the Internet can be defined as a communication network that has a global reach and it facilitates the interconnection between teams to carry out the exchange of information. Therefore, the simplicity to have access to diverse content on the net, is truly remarkable.
However, even though Internet use has generated so many benefits, as well as it can entertain all kinds of public, it has also managed to offer them different ways of business; the truth is that, without a doubt, reveals certain disadvantages for users. This is mainly due to the large number of violent websites that exist and all the dangerous content it hosts.
So, since people have the possibility of being anonymous on the Internet and producing content that is harmful to Internet users, it is important highlight how convenient it can be for the little ones in the house and from what age it is recommended to allow them access to the digital world. Like, define which are the biggest pros and cons exhibited by the same.
What is the indicated age to allow children to access the Internet?
Nowadays, very few people are surprised to see children under 6 years old surf the net and access different apps through mobile phones, and even those who are only 10 or 11 years old already have several profiles in different social networks like Facebook. But, due to the latent dangers that exist in the network, various parents and / or representatives are asking What is the recommended age to accept that minors enter the Internet world.
In this sense, it should be noted that, according to several experts in psychology, what is indicated is prevent children under 13 years of age from surfing the Internet without the supervision of a responsible adult you have the ability to guide your movements on the net. Since, it is essential to monitor the type of content they consume from there and set a kind of parental control.
However, it is estimated that there is no specific age that determines the relevant income of a minor to the Internet. Taking into account that it is important to know that the most advisable thing is to limit the use of it to younger children or, during early ages. This, in order that do not interfere with the development of your skills, negatively.
Therefore, in addition to establishing a control during the activity of their minor children on the Internet, all parents and / or representatives are also advised to accept their entry into this world, as long as they are prepared. Then we mention four signs to keep in mind to know if the child is able to surf the Internet freely:
- It is valuable that know the dangers of the Internet and be aware of the presence of malicious predators and cyber criminals.
- It is also relevant that know when to ask for help, in case of feeling harassed.
- Children have to understand that they should not provide their private and / or personal data to strangers via online.
- They must understand that Internet abuse and addiction is harmful to their health. Therefore, it is very important that they have the ability to set a certain time to access the network and know when to leave.
List of the main advantages of using the Internet for children and adults
For this reason, we proceed to mention the most notable benefits of making general use of the Internet:
Provide immediate information
One of the most relevant uses that the Internet provides, lies in immediate delivery of any information the user needs. Therefore, through their different search engines and in just seconds, Internet users will have access to the data they want. Whether it is to read a news item, translate words in any language, understand a relevant topic about a process, etc.
Eliminate barriers and space
Another of the most important advantages of using the Internet is that people have optimum communication speed. In this way, this element has managed to eliminate barriers and space, so that any user can communicate with another, regardless if you are at the other end of the world.
Thanks to that, the Internet is also an excellent tool that Internet users can use to distance study. In this way, it allows them to adapt their schedule as best suits them and thus improve their teaching, without having to attend face-to-face classes. Being this, a new path education has taken to instill knowledge.
Increase communication
Just as it has the ability to eliminate barriers and spaces between people, connecting to the network can also increase communication between different users in a positive way. In view of the fact that it supports personal and professional relationships Through chats, photos, social networks and many more modalities.
In this way, it allows creating communities of interest and manages to increase interaction between them, in order to transfer and / or share with other people, the knowledge that users have about a specific field. Therefore, it produces the massification of intelligence.
Simplify access to learning
It is no secret to anyone that, due to the endless number of web pages and educational resources that the Internet hosts from its search engines, manages to facilitate learning exponentially. Being this, a benefit that can be enjoyed by children and young people, as well as adults. Since, you can find information on any topic and the field that is required.
Which is why, today, the vast majority of education systems worldwide, have focused on making use of this goodness and thus, they support the teaching of their students through the Internet in order to increase their motivation in learning the content.
Provide different forms of entertainment
The Internet also supports the leisure and entertainment of its users, since it was born as another way to spend time and have fun individually or in the company of other people. Therefore, a remarkable variety of platforms and games can be found that encourage day-to-day entertainment on the web, both from the computer and also with mobile devices.
Thanks to that, it is an element that you can use in your free moments to get out of the routine and, no matter where, spend excellent moments of leisure from the different tools, mechanisms and alternatives that the Internet houses for recreation.
All the disadvantages of using the Internet for children and adults
Your personal data may be used for unknown purposes
Currently, the vast majority of online platforms and applications that you use through the network, request an extensive amount of private data in exchange for its correct operation and, although this may seem very kind on the part of those services, it can actually be totally harmful to Internet users.
In this sense, it is likely that your information will be sold to other Internet users with bad intentions to achieve illegal purposes and, in this way, it could generate serious consequences. In other words, the Internet can lead to the violation of your privacy without your prior approval.
Constant exposure to unwanted content
For children and young people as well as for adults, there is a risk of encountering the display of inappropriate content (and even pornography) while surfing the net. Since, with the great flow of information that moves on the Internet and its free access by millions of people around the world, you can find all kinds of malicious information that terrifies the internet user during their experience.
For this reason, all parents and / or representatives must monitor the access and Internet browsing of the youngest members of the household, especially if they are minors who use the computer from a very young age. Taking into account that, in these cases, it is essential to use parental control programs or applications.
Remarkably stimulates sedentary lifestyle
Since the Internet is a means of learning, entertainment, shopping and even work for many people; it is a mechanism that can easily generate social isolation And because of that, is characterized by encouraging sedentary lifestyle. Well, spending most of the time sitting in front of a computer is synonymous with stopping playing sports or any physical activity.
Consequently, another of the main cons that Internet use currently exhibits, is based on the fact that has triggered high rates of obesity around the world And most worrying of all, it has caused this not only in older people, but also in the youth population.
Can create addiction
With the arrival of the Internet in all corners of the world, new disorders have spread and one of the most worrisome of them, is cyber addiction. Which can be defined as an addiction suffered by all those who make excessive use of the Internet and thus, this affects your life in a negative way. Well, it usually causes a high degree of dependency that is even considered unhealthy.
In this sense, due to the multiple activities that can be carried out at any time and from anywhere on the network, many users spend most of their day in front of the computer and this ends up producing a great addiction. Which, even, can conclude in other addictions, dependencies and depression.
Affects family communication
Just as excessive use of the Internet causes great social isolation, so generates a negative impact on family communication. Valuing that, worldwide in many countries, it has been reported that connection to the network has had an impact harmful within the family by producing less communication between its members.
In this sense, now people pay more attention to their computers and / or mobile devices than their family members. Which has been the main cause of many divorces and even the abandonment of children by their parents.
Dangers of the Internet What are the most dangerous and how to protect yourself from them?
Virus or spam risks
While browsing the Internet, it is very likely that you will encounter a threat that display the power required to infect your computer, laptop or mobile device quickly. Since most existing viruses are hosted on web portals that are frequently visited by numerous users on a constant basis and, in particular, if they are platforms where you see unwanted advertising.
Also, through your emails, it is possible to receive spam and this will cause the computer system to clog, causing much slower browsing. Therefore it is essential avoid opening emails from unknown users and above all, install recommended programs or applications to remove any kind of virus and with this, guarantee the protection of your equipment optimally.
Online bullying
Online bullying, also known as Cyberbullying, has been defined as another of the most powerful and obvious dangers present on the Internet in recent years. Taking into account that, as the Internet is a mechanism that can be entered by all the people they want, any user is susceptible to harassment through strong threats, insults or exposure of private content on the network.
The worst of this is that it is a more obvious risk in school-age boys and girls, because are subjected to public humiliation by close associates or classmates. Which can lead to the suffering of psychological, emotional and even physical disorders, to the point of causing death.
Consequently, it is important to educate the youngest members of the household to use the Internet. responsibly and give the necessary confidence so that in case of being harassed, they have the ability to immediately communicate to their parents and / or representatives in order to stop this bullying as early as possible.
Digital crime or "cyber crime"
Unfortunately, the Internet has also spawned and evolved countless methods of crime that fraudsters and malicious people take full advantage of to accomplish their tasks quickly. Reason why, Today, online scam-based practices are very common.
But, despite the fact that there are many ways used by cybercriminals to steal the personal and bank details of Internet users, one of the best known and most powerful is identified as “phishing”. Which consists of making use of a set of techniques in order to speed up the deceit of a certain victim by posing as a reliable person or company, to gain their trust in order to manipulate it and obtain confidential data (especially bank passwords).
In this case, it is valuable to always be vigilant and avoid providing any type of personal, private or bank information to a stranger through any service on the web. Even when shopping online, it is important that make sure of the reliability of the company in question.