On-line risks

Two of the major issues facing parents as it relates to the internet are the concern over identity theft and becoming a victim of a crime. The lines between the two have a tendency to blur.
Often time parents or guardians hesitate to register their children with an online service due to their own fear of the internet. Little do they realize their children are often very active users either at home, school, in a library or at a friend’s home.

Interesting excerpt from the netzsmart.org website http://www.netsmartz.org/safety/risks.htm

“...Before spending valuable learning time on activities to reduce child victimization online, it is important to understand the need for this information. Children of all ages are flocking to the Internet. Forty-five percent of children in the United States — more than 30 million of those younger than 18 — use the Internet.1

It is important to note the types of dangers that children may be susceptible to on the Internet. In addition to the useful and educational information available on the Internet, a great deal of content exists that is not appropriate for children. This content can include nudity or other sexually explicit material; hate group or racist web sites; promotional material about tobacco, alcohol, or drugs; graphic violence; information on satanic or cult groups; or even recipes for making bombs or other explosives. 2…”

1More Online, Doing More. Washington, DC: The Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2001, page 2.
2Internet Safety. Atlanta, Georgia: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 2001, page 13.