Doesn't Anyone Remember the Movie "Heathers"?

The sad story goes like this.

Small Wales town named Bridgend.

Fourteen teen suicides in one year.

Despair. Anger. Reflection. Blame!

Pointed fingers. Right at the Web. "Social Networking Websites."

"it was revealed she used the computer hours before she died"

"Randall's death raised fears that the suicides were related to a desire for the "prestige" that is associated with having a memorial page on the social networking site Bebo."

Call to action! Now!

Conservative MP has a plan.

"A string of teenage suicides has highlighted the urgent need to tighten up internet safety for youngsters"

Self-regulation has failed.

Solution: An Internet Standards Authority -- A "co-regulatory structure" for the internet, bringing together parties including law enforcement agencies, government, charities and parents.

The enforcers?

ISPs. Of Course.

What to censor? Easy. "Harmful content would include content where cultural, taste and decency judgments have to be made."

Moreover. No sites with this: "glorification of violence and terrorism, pornography, cyber-bullying, suicide, internet gambling and anorexia websites"

ISPs would offer two-tiers of content for kids and adults. The "default" would be for kids. Opt-out. Like the Australian plan.

Need a password to read about anorexia.

No happy endings involving Winona Ryder.

Comments

[John Earnhardt]

I am a big fan of bubbly water.