Should students get limited access to the Internet ?

Helloooo !! So firstly sorry for vanishing. We both had a lot going on and we could not manage time well but we promise not to repeat it. 

Today we will be talking about the Internet. Our lives revolve around the internet. These days the day begins with logging in the zoom, teams, google classroom, or any other respective site (all of them are ) and ends by submitting late-night assignments. The random webinars that keep popping during the day and the long duration of online classes drain our energy.  

With so much going on can we limit the internet? Firstly, let me be clear about the meaning of the limitation. Limiting does not only mean minimizing access to the internet, it could also mean simply reducing the screen time. The real question is " DO WE NEED TO ?".  Parents believe we must, the statement "Can you please keep your device aside?!" says it all.  I believe we must limit access. At times, the internet may direct young adults to sites that can affect their development. The Internet makes EVERYTHING a step away. It can be great resources, knowledgeable articles, e-books to read but it can also land us to pornography sites, cyberbullying, personal details getting shared and what not? It can be a true sin if we cannot limit it. Thus, not only we are affected mentally but also physically! Who knows we might end up becoming couch potatoes. 

Now, I am pretty sure many of you already hate me for saying INTERNET ACCESS NEEDS TO BE LIMITED because you feel like I am taking away your freedom. Well no, I am not. I am not restricting the idea of Instagram, Snapchat, tweeter, etc. I am just saying boundaries are needed. As a coin has 2 sides, every argument also does. Below are some constant arguments 

"But it is already extremely limited. Students are restricted from accessing illegal websites and parents do not allow their kids to see any sort of voicing idea. But then limiting it more. Should students be completely banned from exploring?"

Well, this is again the thin line boundary, parents at times do get overboard, and yes they restrict their children from listening to voicing opinions, if that is the case then the child must talk to a trusted adult who helps them sort the difference with their parents. 

" If we restrict access, it means the parents are not trusting their children?"

INTERNET ACCESS IS NOT BEING LIMITED FOREVER. When children are exposed to the dark side of the internet, that is when the internet should be restricted and extra precautions need to be taken. I completely agree that parents must not restrict access without telling their children because that will agitate the children and may look for alternative means. Parents must calmly explain to their children the reason behind their actions. This means that you make the child aware and not veil the truth. For instance, at times parents say, "The world is a beautiful place  but the sad truth is the world is all about snatching the opportunity for yourself and thriving to grow". The children must understand that their peers can use their devices to access restricted sites and once the door opens, trouble is around the corner. 

"Are we not reducing the idea of an open-mind?"

That depends on how access is limited. Ideas of different sexuality should not be restricted. We want a generation that has an independent and open mind-set.

Well, I hope by now you understand the meaning of "LIMITING THE ACCESS". 

Please feel free to leave down your suggestions and do follow us, see you next week.

 

Ishita Sharma and Kritika Chhetri