OTHER VOICES

The Internet is our lifeline. It is our source of communication. It helps us do business. It is crucial to research and education. And, more than ever, it is our source of entertainment. Life without the Internet is a challenge. And yet in this fascinating virtual world there lurk severe dangers...

A new game called Blue Whale has now caught the imagination of many a young mind. It is a set of dares — 50 in total. The player, a challenger, is asked to complete a task in a given time by the administrators. Some of these may be extreme, such as climbing a crane or carving something on one’s arms. Many teenagers are obsessed with the new game and there have been a few deaths, specially in India, linked to Blue Whale, causing panic among parents and the community.

There can be no doubt that this game is dangerous... But in the world we live in today, the Internet is a necessity. It is not something we can do without.

The only way to stop children from being exploited and abused is vigilance and education. Parents must have open and mature discussions with their children on the grave dangers in the virtual world and the signs they must look for.

While a child is also entitled to privacy, vigilance is a must without being intrusive. That will ensure a safe virtual world. — Gulf News

Vigilance key to protect children who surf the Net