Facts

The endless amount of material available on the Internet today has presented parents with a new set of challenges that was non-existent just a few years ago. As parents, it’s necessary to stay informed and be aware of the dangers that the Internet can present to your children and your home.

For example:

  • Pornography on the Internet is very explicit, promoting pedophilia, violence and sex.
  • Online gambling has become a growing problem among teenage users.
  • Message boards and chat rooms found within online gaming sites are open doors for child predators.
  • Popular social networking sites, like Facebook and Myspace, have become a way of life for youth today, and young children are posting photographs, personal information and much more.
  • "Cyberbullying" occurs when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet.

Some facts for you to consider:

  • Approximately one in seven children online, between the ages of 10 and 17, has received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet.
  • 4% have received an aggressive sexual solicitation - a solicitor who asked to meet them somewhere; called them on the telephone; or sent them offline mail, money, or gifts.
  • 34% have unintentionally been exposed to sexual material - pictures of naked people or people having sex. From this group, only 27% of them told a parent or guardian about the exposure.
  • 79% of sexual solicitation incidents happen to children while using their home computer.
  • 23% of children have had an encounter with a stranger on the Internet, including 7% of children who reported having met someone in the real world from the Internet.
  • 23% of children under 18 report doing things online that their parents would not condone.

Sources:

Finkelhor/Mitchell/Wolak. Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years Later. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2006 Harris Interactive, "Kids Outsmart Parents When it Comes to the Internet," August 2007

Helpful links to additional resources:

  • Web Wise Kids is a nonprofit organization committed to preventing online child victimization by providing innovative and effective tools to assist youth to stay safe online. The site includes a comprehensive list of online safety resources.
  • The Crimes Against Children Resource Center provides high quality research and statistics to the public, policy makers, law enforcement personnel and other child welfare practitioners in an effort to combat crimes against children. CCRC is concerned with research about the nature of crimes including child abduction, homicide, rape, assault, and physical and sexual abuse as well as their impact.
  • GetNetWise is a public service provided by a host of Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations. The site features an online safety guide and links to family friendly sites.
  • NetSmartz is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for children aged 5 to 17, parents, guardians, educators and law enforcement that uses age-appropriate, 3-D activities to teach children how to stay safer on the Internet.
  • Net Family News is a public service for parents, educators and everyone interested in young people's use of technology. Founded in 1999, it has become the journal-of-record on all aspects of youth and technology and is the only high-frequency news service of its kind in the English-speaking world, serving readers in more than 50 countries.
  • CyberSafety for Children is a site provided by the Department of Consumer Affairs and the California Coalition for Children's Internet Safety to help parents and community leaders protect children in the online world. It features many useful links and online safety tips for parents.
  • The National Cyber Security Allliance provides free and non-technical cyber security and safety resources to the public.
  • Growing Up Online is a special Frontline report that aired on PBS focusing on the challenges that youth face today with the Internet as such a prominent part of their lives. The program is available to view entirely online.