Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Model Essay 1
The increasing autonomy of young children on the internet, often without adequate parental oversight, raises significant safety concerns. This essay will discuss the primary issues children encounter online, such as identity theft and the spread of misinformation, and will propose effective interventions, including technological safeguards and proactive parental involvement.
The first significant risk for unsupervised children on the internet is identity theft. Young users often lack the necessary caution required to protect their personal information online, making them easy targets for identity thieves who may use stolen details to commit fraud. For example, a child might unknowingly share their family’s financial information while playing an online game that seems benign but is actually designed to harvest data. This vulnerability underscores the importance of implementing advanced security measures such as automatic encryption of sensitive information and regular audits of sites frequented by children to ensure compliance with data protection standards. Additionally, parents and educators should regularly update security software and educate children about the risks of sharing personal information online.
Another critical concern is the ease with which misinformation can be spread among young internet users, who may lack the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate the validity of the information they receive. This can lead to harmful behaviours or attitudes shaped by false narratives. Educational initiatives that emphasize media literacy from an early age can empower children to critically assess the content they encounter online. Schools should integrate lessons on media credibility into their curricula, teaching children to question the source and intent of the information they find. Furthermore, parents can reinforce these lessons at home by discussing real-world examples of misinformation and encouraging skeptical thinking about online content.
In conclusion, the dual threats of identity theft and misinformation significantly endanger children navigating the internet unsupervised. Addressing these issues effectively requires a combination of robust security protocols to protect personal information and comprehensive education strategies to foster discernment in young internet users.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Model Essay 2
The pervasive access of the internet among young children, coupled with the lack of parental supervision, presents significant risks as they navigate online social interactions. This essay will explore the potential dangers such as exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying, and propose solutions including stringent parental controls and educational programs.
Firstly, one of the primary concerns is the exposure to inappropriate content, which includes violent and adult materials that are not suitable for young minds. This exposure can lead to psychological distress or skewed perceptions of reality. Children, being naturally curious, may inadvertently stumble upon harmful websites or be manipulated by online predators who often disguise themselves as peers. Such encounters can have lasting negative effects on their development and mental health. For instance, a study by the Child Online Protection Act revealed that over 60% of children who encountered inappropriate content did so unintentionally. This underscores the need for protective measures that shield children from harmful digital content while allowing them educational benefits. Parental control tools and monitored internet use can significantly reduce these risks, providing a safer online environment for children.
Moreover, cyberbullying has emerged as a rampant issue affecting children online. The anonymity of the internet provides a shield behind which bullies operate, inflicting psychological harm through harassment or public shaming. This form of bullying can be particularly damaging as it follows the victim everywhere, accessible on all digital devices, exacerbating feelings of isolation and distress. The impact of such experiences can range from decreased self-esteem to severe anxiety and depression, affecting the child's social development and academic performance. Solutions to combat cyberbullying include the implementation of robust digital literacy programs that teach children about the responsible use of the internet. Schools can also play a pivotal role by integrating cyber ethics into their curriculum, ensuring children understand the consequences of their online actions and the importance of respecting others.
In conclusion, while the internet is a repository of vast knowledge and a platform for social interaction, it also poses significant risks to unsupervised children. By employing rigorous parental controls and fostering an environment of digital literacy and ethics, we can safeguard our children from the darker facets of the online world, ensuring their internet experience is both safe and educational.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Comments