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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