Letters: June 23, 2012

Well-informed parents
Although this event is not out of the ordinary, it is not always bound to happen – children can be taught the correct usage of the internet (‘Protect your children from cyber predators, counsellor in UAE says’, Gulf News, June 18). Having said that, it does not rule out parental control. Parents should check their child’s activities and the child should be educated about the dangers of cyber crime. They should also know that parents monitoring them is for their own benefit and it should not be considered an invasion of privacy. One important thing that parents of all generations need to learn is that they need to move with their child’s times, learn what new gadgets are out, which websites and software are available and follow what children these days are talking about. This way, parents will be well-informed and ready to deal with such issues.
From Mr Mahnaaz Shaikh
UAE
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Keep an eye out
This report has led us to a shocking reality that information technology can destroy fundamental values of a society. However, another reality that we have to realise is that we can’t ignore the internet, even for a minute. So what is the solution? The only thing we can do is raise awareness and be careful. Keep an eye on your child.
From Mr Emmar Kinalur
Kuwait
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Curiosity killed the cat
Most parents are completely ignorant of their children using the internet, especially Facebook. I can see more children from my very own family using Facebook and giving a false date of birth. These children click on abusive videos by mistake and we all know that one click would only multiply their curiosity.
From Ms Faiza
Sharjah
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No trust
This is shocking! No family can ever suspect or even think in their wildest dreams that such a scenario can happen to a family member – our thoughts have never gone so far. I’m still in shock after reading this. It’s not about parenting. What should a parent concentrate on? The child’s schoolwork? To give a restful life to them? To fulfil their wishes? Or to protect them from such a world? In today’s day and age, every individual should take care of themselves – no one can be trusted. Cyber trust is not even something to be thought of.
From Ms Rabia
Ajman
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A way to find him
Isn’t it possible for the taxi company to track the taxis that picked up passengers from the said location on the said date at around the given time through their navigation systems (‘Appeal to taxi drivers for information on sailor missing in Dubai’, Gulf News, June 18)? I once left my laptop in a taxi and when I called the lost and found I had to give details such as the hire, the timing and location. I called within a few minutes of realising that I had left it and was positive that the driver was still hired (a passenger got into the front seat when I got out). Neither the driver nor the passenger would have seen it because it was a black case, which matched the colour of the rear seats. However, all the customer service representative could tell me was that the complaint will be lodged and someone will get back to me. If they have a call-up request service then the call centre would locate any taxi in the location and direct the drivers to the pick up. I have experienced this while sitting in the taxi as a passenger. I am surprised that they need the assistance of the public in some cases when the concerned parties could have the answers sitting right under their noses.
From Ms Nedra Forbes
Dubai
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Find him soon
I am sure that someone must have seen something. I am really not expecting the worst and I believe that British sailor Timothy MacColl is only missing. If at all he left with a taxi, then the driver should come out and help the authorities. He does not have to be scared since he was just doing his job. Let him tell the authorities where he dropped MacColl, that’s all. I feel the pain of MacColl’s family. I believe that it’s just a matter of time before he’s found.
From Mr Vincent
Sharjah
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