Rhetorical Analysis: children and the internet article

Rhetorical Analysis: children and the internet article

Child Privacy
The safety of their children is always an issue for many parents, especially with the new dangers that have been introduced on the internet. So the common question and argument that has resulted from children’s internet use is “should kids be allowed to use internet with privacy” Many people from a range of all ages try to dispute these claims and make a case for either side of this child privacy issue. An article in Newsweek attempts to make an argument to let children have their privacy while using the internet. Although the article titled “Leave Kids Alone on the Web” written by Michael Thompson focuses on a hot topic, the author leaves the readers with a wishy-washy opinion, and fails to completely validate either side of the argument. The article begins with Thompson blatantly appealing to ethos by stating he is a child psychologist and that he is “constantly asked questions about what goes on in the minds of children” (Thompson 1). Thompson goes on to describe one of the topics brought up among parents in 2006 when the article was written. The topic discussed is whether or not parents should restrict, be involved in, or ignore their child’s online activities. This topic seems to still be a big issue among parents; however the evidence Thompson tries to bring to light for the concern is poorly stated and condescending, since he makes a case for both sides.
The first assertion made in this article is in theoretical response to a question proposed by the head of an elementary school. He asked Thompson in the closing of the email referring to children on the internet, “Do they need privacy from their parents and, if so, why do they?” (Thompson 1). The first part of the question is answered when Thompson says “My answer was simple: yes, children do need privacy” (Thompson 1) This was not the problem with his article, giving a straightforward answer was good if he would have continually backed up his initial opinion and gave good examples that...

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