On the other hand, I believe it's Mxit's responsibility to protect children from undesireable characters while they use the system that makes money for Mxit... I think it's wrong to simply say it's up to the kids to protect themselves from perverts. A simple way to do this would be to force people to identify themselves positively using an ID document when registering, and having physical address on file as in the case of any contract. Kids can only sign up under their parents and with their consent, and complaints are easier to follow up.
Someone bragged to me recently that they made over R1000 in airtime in one night alont using a prepaid sim and approaching guys they knew anonymously pretending to be a young girl willing to trade pictures for airtime. (I think it's called me2u or something). The fact that this is so easily done is proof that this is one of the primary uses of Mxit among males.
I also think it's important that everyone be reminded that they should not feel that the online world is 'private'... people are watching, like it or not... and you never know if you're talking to a friend or not.
Using a system like the ID thing has a good side and a bad side. So you protect the children, but infringe on the privacy of others. Let me guess, Hitler was your uncle?
Just being silly, but I want to make a few arguments, for what side, I don't know. I tend to fight for both sides of a cause when in discussion.
Television : Neutral Medium. You can put Teletubbies on, or you can put Horny Housewifes 17 on. So you have a good side, and a bad side. So as not to expose your kids to that bad side, you just don't let them watch Tele...I mean..Horny Housewifes 17. How do you do that? You don't allow them access to the channels/video cupboard/medium that provides this. This could mean lock and key, filter, bed time before such things come on.
Now an incapable parent would allow their kids to do all things. Freedom of choice, freedom to stuff up your life. I think as long as you live under their roofs, they are your Hitler, not in an oppressive way, but their house, their rules.
Children need to be protected, but the choice is between freedom or protection. In most circumstances you cannot have both. You allow your 13 year old to run in the streets at night, he has the freedom, but however much you want to let him have that freedom, it is not safe. Something could happen to him.
I think if parents want their kids to be safe, don't give them a java enabled phone. But then there are still sms's. If that bothers you, then don't give them a phone, or give them the use of a phone at times you deem it to be good for them to have a phone.
I spoke to a teacher the other day, and the topic of Mxit came up. I asked her how she handles her kids with that. She said that whenever she wants, the rule is, she has access to the phones. If Johnny is mxiting, she can just take the phone at any time and basically infringe on his privacy. I think it's good. When he's 18, he can stuff up his life as much and however he wants to, but while under her roof, you won't be allowed to do so.
So should we let our kids have ultimate freedom? Or protect them? I am so glad I am not a parent....Happy Not A Fathers Day!
OK, just trying to keep you greedy, cancer-radiating corporates in line...
