Every TV station and newspaper this week had something to say about the untimely premature death of Amanda Todd.
Every suggestion I’ve read or heard people expressed how that we should do something about the verbal and cyber-bullying so prevalent today.
Verbal abuse, threatening, harassment and intimidation have always have been punishable by law under the Criminal Code of Canada. Why did no one look into this?
Cyber-bullying is much harder to control. How does one shame cyber-bullies in a world-wide social media network settings like Facebook, Google and Twitter, where millions of users hang out and open up visual windows of themselves for friends, or foes and shrewd sexual predators, to watch around the globe?
Yes, this modern day society offers to zoom emails around the world in a second. Most of us own either, or all, a cell phone, smart phone with numerous apps, and likely possess an E-reader loaded with 2.5 million books at least.
My, oh my, how spoiled can we get?
Nonetheless, the many breakthroughs in today’s digital landscape presents both perils and possibilities alike.
Prominent educators caution that the technological developments in this digital age is at a critical juncture with no time to lose. They warn that it is absolutely critical to reach kids in the digital arena where they spend much of their time.
There’s no doubt that the many new forms of media communications are transforming children’s lives. It is a must for parents to try safeguard their children’s online activities.
The big question is how does one navigate a child’s life away from the treacherous demonic actions sexual prowlers thrive on in this modern digital era?
I find it incredibly sad that while this enormous social change evolved, most of our elected leaders and citizens have been predominantly inactive in the lack of forcing media tycoons to provide privacy laws in this viral, web-obsessed culture today where the Internet, for some, has become a vicious weapon to hurt and injure others.
I truly believe that it is the duty of all concerned to embrace the positives of the digital media, and cautiously prepare kids for the future.
It truly is lamentable that the likes of Amanda Todd’s young life was snuffed out so dramatically. Let’s pray that this sad event may wake up a lethargic, dozing adult community.
Gertie Pool
