• Internet Safety
     
    The reality of the dangers children, teenagers and even adults can experience when on the Internet can be alarming. But by knowing the dangers, parents can protect their children. This Internet Safety information should not dampen your enthusiasm for the Internet or your child's enthusiasm, but help you and your family learn to use it wisely. After all the Internet is becoming an important part of our lives.

    As a first step, talk to your children about the Internet and their use of it. Let them know dangerous people pose as friendly teenagers and befriend young people to ultimately abuse and victimize them. You will find more tips on Internet Safety & What Parents Can Do.

    What Research Tells Us

    The Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire conducted a Youth Internet Safety Survey to better understand the experiences of young people, ages 10-17, when using the Internet. The Survey collected information about incidents of possible online victimization through telephone interviews with a national sample of 1,501 young people who use the Internet regularly, at least once a month for the past six months.

    Here are the Surveys Statistical Highlights:
    • 1 in 4 had an unwanted exposure to pictures of naked people in the last year.
    • Approximately 1 in 5 received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet in the last year.
    • 1 in 17 was threatened or harassed.
    • 1 in 33-received an aggressive sexual solicitation a solicitor who asked to meet them somewhere; called them on the telephone; sent them regular mail, money, or gifts.
    • Approximately 25% of young people who reported these incidents were distressed by them. Less than 10% of sexual solicitations and only 3% of unwanted exposure episodes were reported to authorities such as a law-enforcement agency, an Internet service provider or a hot line.
    • About 25% of the youth who encountered a sexual solicitation or approach told a parent. Almost 40% of those reporting an unwanted exposure to sexual material told a parent.
    • Only 17% of youth and approximately 10%of parents could name a specific authority (such as the FBI, Cyber Tipline, or Internet service provider) to which they could make a report, although more said they had heard of such places.
    • In households with home Internet access, one third of parents said they had filtering or blocking software on their computer at the time they were interviewed.


    This information was compiled by Sunindia Bhalla, One Tough Job Manager, andreviewed by the Program Staff of the Massachusetts Childrens TrustFund.
Last Modified on July 31, 2021