Child / Youth Internet Safety
Did You Know?
- 23% of youths surveyed have reported to have formed close friendships with persons 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
- 74% of youths use the Internet at home and 73% use the Internet at school
- A 15 year old boy came across a bestiality site while researching to write a report about wolves for school
- An 11 year old boy and friend where searching for game sites, when they typed in fun.com, a pornographic site appeared
- Each year, approximately one in five children is sexually solicited online
- Only 2% of these incidents were reported to police
- Over two million 10 year olds use the Internet regularly
- Unwanted solicitations can be done by using cell phones, personal digital assistants, and even video game consoles
What You Can Do
- Check the history function for sites that have been visited
- Keep the computer in a room that is occupied by all members of the family
- Limit time spent on the computer
- 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 / school information or any private information
- Do not make arrangements to meet anyone you met online
- Do not say anything on the Internet that should not be said in public
- Use Internet parental controls
Helpful Resources
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