The Editor, Sir:

Since 2006, the ministries of Education and Technology through the e-Learning Project have been promoting the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the classroom as a tool to enhance the learning experience for students and improve their grades.

Through initiatives of the Government, several Jamaicans now have access to a computer with Internet facilities. Companies like Cable and Wireless and Flow have donated computers and/or given free Internet access to schools, community clubs, organisations and cyber centres as well.

Obviously, we have recognised the advantages the computer and Internet can have on the productivity of our society. More specifically, the Internet is a great tool to enhance our students' learning through online communication and research. However, the Internet can be a very dangerous place for our children as they are vulnerable to identity theft and Internet fraud, cyber-bullying, trojans and viruses, spyware, and spams.

Late in 2007, I conducted a non-scientific survey with some Jamaicans to glean how much they know about Internet safety and security. I was alarmed to glean that so many of us know little or nothing about these potential dangers that exist on the web.

Many Jamaicans are already victims of Internet fraud. In fact like many children, I have been conned by foreigners, Nigerians especially soliciting help to retrieve a lump sum of money that a dead relative left. Funny enough, I have even won the lotto on several occasions. With each Jamaican owing US$7,920 I could have paid for my entire family more than three times. Surely, we all could have relieved Jamaica's debt burden if these were true.

It's only a matter of time before we hear that several cases of rape and abduction have been made possible by social networking websites such as Hi5, Facebook and MySpace.

At present little or nothing is being done by the Government or private sector to raise awareness about the dangers which exist so young people can use the Internet more responsibly. I am delighted that the focus of the 2008/2009 Budget is youth. However, the revitalisation of youth clubs, and uniformed groups is not the only thing needed to safeguard the future for youth. A cut of the budget must be used for proactive approaches, rather than continuing our reactive and shortsighted tendencies all the time.

In lieu of this, I recommend that out of the budget expenditure a new unit be established in either ministry charged with the responsibility of developing promotional materials and planning seminars, conferences and other initiatives to sensitise Jamaicans (youth especially) about the dangers that exist and how they can protect themselves.

I am, etc.,

JAEVION NELSON

Chairman, Caribbean

Youth Summit Association

Kingston 6

jnelson@jamaicayouthadvocacynetwork.org

Via Go-Jamaica