From School Library Journal
Gr 5-10-Lawler first tells what the Internet is and continues with explanations of all the ways people abuse it. She discusses hidden identities, threatening or obscene material, dangerous users or groups, loss of privacy, addiction and/or social isolation, hackers, con artists, frauds, pranks, hoaxes, and viruses. She warns against giving out personal information, responding to or sending inappropriate messages, and face-to-face meetings with people met online. The final chapter discusses protection from these dangers. Color photos and attractive graphics enhance the text. However, while most of the advice is good, the book raises some concerns. The author recommends that downloading "should always be done carefully to avoid getting bad files," but it doesn't explain how to be careful or what to watch for. It also does not point out that downloading some software could be illegal depending on copyright. In fact, the entire book never mentions copyright, which could put a user in trouble with the law. The most egregious mistake is the suggestion that students learn more about government by contacting whitehouse.org, which takes them to a link for bondage.com or userfriendly.org, a joke site. Even after one clicks off of the bondage site, an obnoxious pop-up screen of a naked lady keeps coming back. That alone is reason enough not to purchase this book.-Sandra L. Doggett, Urbana High School, Ijamsville, MD
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
