As the father of a young boy who loves to play on his computer, I'm sensitive to the dangers that lurk in "cyberspace." Even a simple search for a website that links to one of his favorite online games—Mini Putt III—is complicated by the many sites that host both innocent and tawdry games along with various online banners innappropriate for a five-year old.
Indeed, I sometimes wonder if any computer usage is appropriate for one so young. I see how addicting it can be among teens, even how addicting it was for me when I was young (though of course when I was teen Asteroids was "hot" and the only computer games I played early on were flight simulators). For now, I trust the limits we place on the time he spends and games he plays will engage his mind without stunting his creativity.
I'm also glad I have a few years to prepare my son for navigating the world of MySpace and webcams. What prompted this post was an article from the NYT. It was one of the top-10 read articles last year. WARNING: it contains discussion of an adult nature about a very sad phenomenon—young boys who get paid to pose by predators in front of their webcams. On the other hand, there is a happy ending, of sorts, as the focus of the article has left the "business", turned state's witness, entered the witness protection program and returned to the faith of his childhood.
Regardless of whether you decide to read on, please consider lifting up Justin in your prayers. It will not be simple for him to overcome the scars of his coming of age in such a perverse environment.
Through His Webcam, a Boy Joins a Sordid Online World - New York Times
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