Netted by the internet

Friday, 11 March 2011 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

THE internet is a double edged sword. On the one hand it is a veritable gold mine of information that is essential for the new age of development while on the other it can also cause social issues unless dealt with in a balanced manner.

The argument for and against censorship takes place on multiple levels around the world — too broad to be handled in one article. The focus of this editorial is to limit this discussion to one event in Sri Lanka. Recently it was reported that children under the age of 18 have been banned from internet cafes in Kurunegala under the orders of SSP Vaas Gunawardene. His explanation for the action is that this is necessary to prevent children from becoming addicted to “vices” that are being perpetrated by the internet. Students who wish to use the technology for educational purposes can only do so with the endorsement of the school principal.

This is a disturbing development on many levels. While it is necessary for the internet to be monitored for the welfare of children there are less autocratic ways of doing so. New firewall technology can restrict the viewing of improper material and stronger awareness of responsibility on the part of cyber cafe owners can assist to safeguard children. It is true that this is not a fool proof mechanism but educating children and empowering them to make mature decisions regarding the ‘wrongful’ content of the internet as well as sensible sex education can go a long way to empowering them. After all do we not want children that are well informed enough to make their own decisions?

It is an accepted fact that the internet is crucial to deliver real time development to impoverished members of society so that they can empower themselves and gain social mobility. For a country that is almost obsessed with development, the path to economic growth cannot be divided from absorbing technology and gaining the latest knowledge. For our children to be on par with international standards they must be competent with the internet and it can assist in many ways to bridge the gap of the haves and have-nots.

The government is clearly aware of this and has spent millions establishing “Nanasals” around the country to promote English and IT. A significant number is in Kurunegala and this investment is being wasted due to the arbitrary decisions of one public official who has forgotten that his duty is to assist the public and not merely to control them. The moral right is not just all black or all white. There are a multitude of shades in between that we have to consider, especially given that the future of the country is involved.

Children should have access to basic technology such as email and even networking websites such as Facebook that their counterparts take for granted. The ability to learn new technology fast is a strong attribute of youth that must be allowed to reach its full potential with some of the most revolutionary ideas stemming from kids barely past their 20s. This entire paradigm of the ‘evil’ of the internet needs to undergo a change in Sri Lanka if the next generation is not to be left behind.