Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

Policing the Internet. Edited by Peggy Daniels. Detroit, Mich.: Greenhaven Press Thomson Gale, 2007. 1 vol. 141 p. $28.70. ISBN 10: 0-7377-2733-0; ISBN 13: 978-0-7377-2733-3.

MySpace and its counterparts create a danger to children from online predators while adults are in peril from identity theft. E-mail con artists offering huge fortunes left to orphans by executed officers in African countries, winning lottery funds, and even what looks like a real message from a local bank (logo and all) provide potential hazards to your bank account. This makes online security a challenge and users need to be aware of potential dangers. Two sides of issues include “Cyberterrorism Is a Serious Threat,” “Cyberterrorism Is Not a Serious Threat,” “Identity Theft Is a Growing Problem,” “Identity Theft Is Not a Growing Problem,” “Internet Pornography Harms Society” and “Internet Pornography Benefits Society.” No one would argue that “Cyberbullying Is a Growing Problem” and that actions must be taken against this even more evasive activity to hurt children and even adults (cyberbullying can be turned against teachers as well as fellow students.) Students today need to learn as much as possible about the potholes on the Internet and a good way to do this is to set up debates on both sides of these issues. It would also be good if students could suggest ways to halt cyberbullying. This will be useful in almost any class studying current events, social studies, history, or writing.