Should websites have ratings?
There's an interesting article in BBC News that discusses that idea of website ratings: warnings on sites that are extremely graphic or sexual in nature, ostensibly to protect children from seeing things they shouldn't. Here's what the man behind this measure has to say:
"The internet is becoming a more and more pervasive entity in all our lives and yet the content standards online are not as clear as we've all been used in traditional media. "I think we do need to have a debate now about clearer signposting and labelling online because it can be quite a confusing world, particularly for parents who are trying to ensure their children are only accessing appropriate stuff." |
As a mom of three kids, I'm definitely for keeping kids safe. However, is posting ratings on websites really the best way to do it? I have a hard time believing that a warning label is going to prohibit a determined kid from viewing something that he or she shouldn't - it might actually make it more attractive, the "forbidden fruit", so to speak. One of the reasons behind this proposal is that parents don't have any idea where their kids are going online; well, that's the real problem, isn't it? The Web is not and never has been a completely safe place for children, which is why I have always been of the opinion that it is parents, not government, that must regulate kids on the Web.
What do you think? Vote in the poll, or give your opinion in the comments below.
More about safety on the Web
- A Practical Guide to Kids Safety Online: Every parent wants their kids to be safe online, right? Of course! Use the following tips to insure your kids safety on the Web.
- Hide and Seek on the Web - 7 Ways to Hide Your Online Identity: Learn how to hide your online identity when surfing the Web.
- Ten Ways To Keep Your Search History Private: Search engines can and do keep records of searches - here's a few ways you can keep your searching history private.
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