information through these devices. The information, however, may be positive or negative for their growth and character formation. Parents, governments and social workers have actually raised the concern as to how far should children be left free to use the social media network without supervision. The free use of social media has led some children to bad habits of
drug abuse, sexual exploitation and outright criminal activities. Parliaments and other structured meetings have discussed the impact of the social media on children’s development to come up with guidance procedures for parents, guardians and teachers. The problem of the effects of modern communications on children is more felt in countries with the purchasing power for such devices. It
appears to me that what we have considered as part of children’s rights has turned into parents’ or adults’ problem. The communication revolution has led our children to know too much too soon. As a parent, I am now constantly and nervously wondering what my children are processing on their computers; is it just educational information or is there more (including the unwanted information)? I also recall one parent telling me she was waiting to see the examination report for her son to find out whether the computer was being well-utilized. In fact, the subject of computers and children reminded me of my early
1980s studies in media exposure which showed that a significant number of parents controlled their children’s television viewing to protect them from the effects of media delinquency. The problem has now shifted to
The Secretary-General’s
The meeting of the CPA Working Party in Québec: (l-r:) The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Hon. Alix Boyd Knights, MHA; Dr William F. Shija; Working Party Chairperson Ms Moana Mackay, MP; and the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP.