Child / Youth Internet Safety

Did You Know?

  • 55% of youths gave out personal information to someone they did not know, including photos and physical descriptions. 
  • 65% of youths have shared a password with someone else. 
  • 75% of youths would share personal information about themselves and their family in exchange for goods and services. 
  • 23% of youths surveyed reportedly formed a close friendship with a person they met online - 7% of those offered assistance to run away.
  • 70% of cybersex incidents occurred while the youths were at home - 49% of these youths did not tell anyone, even when the incident became aggressive.
  • 65% of 8-14 year-olds have been involved in a cyberbullying incident.
  • 70% of youths encountered sexual or violent content online while doing research for homework.
  • 45% of teen-aged youths are online on a near-constant basis.
  • Each year, approximately one in five youths is sexually solicited online.
  • Only 2% of online sexual solicitations were reported to the police.
  • A teen-aged youth's risk for depression jumps 27% when he or she frequently uses social media.

What You Can Do

  • Check the history function for websites that have been visited.
  • Keep the computer in a room that is available to all members of the family.
  • Limit time spent on the computer and / or cell phone.
  • Look at the screen to see what your child is viewing.
  • Report all inappropriate material.
  • Tell your child:
    • Do not chat with strangers.
    • Do not give out address / telephone number/ name of school or any other private information.
    • Do not make arrangements to physically meet anyone met online.
    • Do not say anything on the internet that should not be said in public.
    • Do not share pictures, videos, or any images with anyone online.
  • Use internet parental controls.

Source: https://safeatlast.co/blog/kids-online-safety/#gref

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