Computers and Ethics

Some parents have the mistaken impression that surfing the Internet is just like watching TV. They think that the World Wide Web is essentially unreal and, therefore, a harmless diversion for their child. In fact, the Internet couldn't be more real. Millions of people use it to interact on a daily basis. They use it to conduct business transactions, to make appointments, to meet new friends, and even to date. The Internet involves real human relationships, and, as such, it is possible for your child to behave in unethical and even illegal ways online.

There are three areas of "cyber-ethics" about which parents need to be especially aware:

• Hacking and Viruses
• Piracy
• Plagiarism

To learn more about them, click on these topics in the navigation area to the left.

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