The internet is becoming an ever more relevant, necessary, and utilized medium in American life, as evinced by a recent government bill seeking to authorize $175 million to teach school children about internet safety. The worldwide web is the gateway on which the whole world balances. This makes an online education not only more incentivized, but also more unavoidable.

According to ESchoolNews, Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey has sponsored the School and Family Education about the Internet (SAFE Internet) Act in order to equip schools with funds that will align them with the most effective cyber safety strategies. $35 million a year for 5 years will be dedicated to internet safety education so that children and parents (as a result of their children’s education) can become more aware of the dangers posed by using the internet.

People who were born before the internet generation that say “these kids nowadays spend more time on their computers and less time in the real world” are absolutely right. It has become a standard piece of equipment used by Americans both young and old. We make sure to perpetually pelt our children with public service announcements about not talking to strangers, wearing kneepads when rollerblading, and not indulging in violent movies and music – the safeguards should not stop there. It is true that the internet is now America’s playground. This Bill will effectively put a wetsuit on the nation’s children whose sport of choice is surfing the internet.

However, the net is not ONLY a playground. It is a medium through which educational pursuits can and are achieved by more and more adults every year. In 2005, over 3.2 million students took at least one course online, and that number continues to rise. More and more Americans are using online courses to get their certifications and degrees in a wide range of fields. The reason is because computer learning is an extremely convenient and inexpensive way of furthering yourself in your career. There is no commuting time and you can go at your own pace. Online education is very fluid since you can sculpt it to fit your needs instead of sculpting your needs around rushing to your classes and doing your homework. Also, more and more employers look favorably on online education while more and more students love that they can still juggle the chores of adult life while conveniently pursuing their potential. In fact, according to Modern Physician Online, medical schools are utilizing online education to help students with tight schedules advance in their training. Med schools see the value in online education. You should too.

The internet is becoming an ever-present part of daily life. For this reason, we need to protect our children from getting stuck in the dangerous parts of the worldwide web. As we provide them helmets to ride their bikes with, we should similarly provide them more training so that they can safely and effectively use the computer. As usual, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. More and more adults are using the internet to acquire qualifications and earn degrees that make them significantly more money in their careers. Check out the many online educational programs that are out there. Remember, it’s never too late to learn how to ride a bike. This might be just what you were looking for.