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Internet, when used appropriately, opens a whole new world By Megan Carter Grade 9, Abbey Park H. S. ore often than not, you and your kids may be spending hours upon hours online. You may think this growing dependency on technology is putting you or your kids, at a disadvantage. There's a stigma surrounding the way we use the internet and websites such as Tumblr, etsy, kickstarter and Facebook are reminding us of the redeeming qualities of the frightening monster that's taken over our lives: the Internet. The Internet is introduced to discover and 25 · Friday, March 23, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com M learn. Its reputation has changed from a fountain of knowledge to a dangerous place where precaution should be taken. Cyber bullying, Internet predators and scams have besmirched what it means to be online. When we are online, we're taught to live in a constant state of fear. This link might be a virus, this website could make it easier for me to be a target of bullying. We're so worried of what might happen that we don't even realize how fantastic a resource the Internet can be. The web is a place to share thoughts and opinions, as well as receive feedback. It can help us gain a different perspective. My generation has a growing desire to participate because we understand how the system of a site functions and how it is to be used. We understand how to utilize this resource efficiently or we can create our own original work and share it. Having an audience online is a way to make connections. The web is a way to network comfortably from your own bedroom. It's a window to communicate with thousands of genuine people whilst watching cartoons on a Saturday morning. The Internet can be used positively or negatively, but it's important to understand you and your children are discovering and acquiring tools and connections that will be beneficial. The Internet is like high school. There are dangers and downfalls. However, like any social experience there are opportunities to succeed and learn. The web is a diversified high school experience, and who are we to deny children or ourselves the chance to be involved in such an indiscriminate climate? Finding balance between time spent online and out being social is key, but we cannot simply assume that time spent online is a waste. CLIP & SAVE C O UP O N FREE FAMILY PASS! The Oakville CLIP & SAVE! PUT ON YOUR FRIDGE! This Pass will allow your family FREE admission (2 adults and 2 children) to the OPEN ON GOOD FRIDAY!!! 32" $ 798 Memory Foam PARK LORNE ATTRESS QUEEN M 9 #07346 FIRM OR PLUSH Thursday, March 29 2012, 6 p.m. Harbour Banquet & Conference Centre 2340 Ontario St., Oakville ON An evening to support an amazing Canadian organization, dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. Join FLARE MAGAZINE's Fashion Director Elizabeth Cabral in a fashion spring trends how to. In support of the Canadian Women's Foundation Women Moving Women Campaign Join together with girlfriends, sisters, cousins, moms, and daughters for an evening of fun, food and fashion ­ celebrating philanthropy. Tickets $75.00 are available online at: canadianwomen.org/teafortwo D I V I S I O N O F M E T R O L A N D M E D I A G R O U P L T D . OB ! E E R F G IS BUY TH ET THIS HD 4 #07634 LIMIT ED Q U UR IES, H ANTIT ! RY IN Oakville Lifestyle Home Show, You Will See: sunrooms, decks, blinds, April 5-7, 2012 at the Glen Abbey Recreation Centre, air conditions, garage 1415 Third Line just north of the Q.E.W. doors, countertops, PRESENTED BY: Proudly produced by Jenkins Show Productions You Will See: ENTER TO WIN One of four 2,000 lb bags of rich gardening soil. Delivered to your driveway courtesy of Green Horizons · hundreds of new products & services for your home · terrific, one time Home Show specials · lots of prizes & free draws · a great family outing! · local, reliable companies · many new landscaping and garden displays SEE OUR NEW FLYER IN TODAY'S PAPER! Regular Admission $3 Children 12 & under FREE artwork, awnings, shutters, replacement windows & doors, builders, renovators, deck refinishers, water purifiers, cookware, resorts, landscapers, spas, painters, flooring, plus much more! SHOW HOURS: Thurs 3-8, Fri 11-9, Sat 11-5 ING RK PA EE FR