Originally Posted By DVC_dad Yes there is something far more dangerous than guns and almost everyone has one. Your household computer. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2atyt5" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/2atyt5</a>
Originally Posted By DVC_dad ^ ^ ^ I posted the wrong link, but that one works too. Actually is is auite disturbing how large this problem really is.
Originally Posted By SuperDry Oh sure, there are more children killed each year by sex predators they meet on the Internet as compared to guns? Please.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Trying to compare these two things is beyond silly to me. <rolling eyes>
Originally Posted By DVC_dad Skip the comparison. Let me rephrase... Guns are dangerous, no question. You see a gun you know it's there, you know the potential of danger. Take the internet however... it is in far more homes. Most parents have no clue what their kids are doing on it, and sadly do not care. My point isn't that the internet is more dangrous than guns, in spite of the title of the topic. My point is that it is a very widespread problem with extreme consequences and most parents are not aware of exactly how big of a problem it is. It is far more of a shock and surprise when a child falls victim to some freak via the internet. In short, it is a silent threat and I don't think there is enough awareness for it in our society. You are right, it's not about comparing. But the internet is most certainly a threat that is taken far too lightly.
Originally Posted By melekalikimaka <<You are right, it's not about comparing. But the internet is most certainly a threat that is taken far too lightly.>> Only an idiot would be oblivious to the dangers on the internet at this stage of the game. Okay, maybe idiot is too harsh of a word but they are definitely living with their heads in the sand or they are simply too self-involved to pay attention. And even then, kids can be really sneaky and creative against the most vigilant parent. I would be far more shocked if my child was shot than if he got into trouble with someone online. I do worry more about what my children do on the internet but I would be far more shocked if they encountered someone with a gun. But I'll tell you, I've talked with my children about BOTH dangers.
Originally Posted By DlandDug There are already any number of restrictions and regulations placed on computer use, as well as severe penalties for those who are caught exploiting children via the internet. As more understanding is gained, more will undoubtedly follow, complete with legislation and new laws. Gun use, whether better, worse, comparable, or completely unrelated, is not effectively regulated, is aggressively defended whenever legislation is proposed, and the situation shows little sign of change. If you feel that computers and guns are dangerous things in the home, then by all means join those who feel that sensible solutions need to be entertained, without resorting to cheap arguments with little basis in reality.
