Freedom and Security
Parents have the responsibility of ensuring the security of their children. Whenever children are caught up in violence or harm, the first blame goes to the parent for negligence. However, a dilemma exists where a parent has to ensure the security of their child without denying their freedom. Technology has come to make the situation worse since children have access to online platforms, and parents do not have total control over the online activities. Online criminals have been taking advantage of children to carry out their ill intentions. For example, cases of cyber-bullying and extremism have become rampant with the growth of technology.
One experience that happened a few months ago in my neighborhood taught me a lesson concerning freedom and security. One of my neighbors was caught up in a situation where he lost his child to extremism through social media. The fifteen-year-old was on the verge of adolescence and would take any option that promised freedom out of the neighborhood. The boy’s father did not notice his child’s change of behavior and gave the excuse that his boy had the liberty of accessing social media. The reality set in when the boy decided to run away from home to meet an online ‘friend’ who had promised him freedom. Fortunately, the boy was rescued meeting his intended ‘friend’ although he had to undergo thorough counseling before resuming his normal life. The boy’s case was one among the several cases that go unnoticed, and the parents are unable to save their children from falling into the online traps.
The experience of the boy’s case brought out a critical discussion on the level of freedom that children should be given. The freedom to go online is not wrong but should be provided with the necessary precautions. Parents should regularly monitor the sites that are accessible to their children. Also, security features should be enabled such that children are only restricted to sites meant for children. As much as children need freedom, their security comes first.