The internet is a great resource. You can use it to do research for school, find out what movie is playing near you (and whether people like it), check out a college you’re thinking about, or find a job or volunteer opportunity. Almost anything you can think of has a website about it. And it’s not just websites. Blogs, videos, and downloadable games await to connect you with other user and players. With this amazing ability to connect, comes dangers as well. As a smart teen, you should be aware of the dangers that exist online and how to deal with them. The key is to protect yourself while online.
Not So Fun Facts
- Teenagers who send or recieve sexually explicit photographs by cell phone or computer (known as SEXTING) is AGAINST THE LAW in most states and any involved in such acts risk felony charges and/or being listed on sex offender registry.
- One in 5 teens have engaged in sexting (1)
- Nearly one in five teens have bullied someone via social media, email or text message, and one in ten have been cyberbullied by someone else. (1)
- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy conducted a study about teens and sexting.(2)
- 66 percent of teen girls and 60 percent of teen boys do it to be “fun or flirtatious”
- 71 percent of teen girls have sent or posted sexual content to a boyfriend or girlfriend and 51 percent of teen girls say they do it because of pressure from a guy
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Internet Dangerous?
Just as in the non-cyber world, some people you encounter online might try to take advantage of you financially or physically. The web allows for complete anonymity, so someone posing as a 17 year old may really be 30. As a result, responding to violent messages from people you do not know, displaying leud pictures online and/or agreeing to meet in person with someone you met over the Internet is extremely dangerous, as this can result in sexual assault or even murder.
Define Sexting
Sexting (a portmanteau of sex and texting) is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between mobile phones. Sexting is against the law.
Define Chat Rooms
A website where visitors can exchange messages by typing them onscreen which makes them appear to scroll by as a conversation develops with other visitors to the site
Tips to Avoid Problems when Using the Internet
Be Web Aware when using chat rooms and online profiles.
Chat Rooms
Just about all chat rooms are not supervised and users may use anonymous screen names. Therefore, most teens feel unafraid conversing with other people assured that their identity is kept hidden. However internet chat rooms can result in cursing, torment, improper conversations, and cyber sex. Even when chat rooms are specifically for teens, participants are not necessarily all teens. Someone you meet in the chat room may actually be an adult predator who has made up an identity to hide his or her age. So, Be Aware and in chat rooms, use a name that is not gender-specific so you are less likely to receive pornographic material or other forms of harassment. If you do receive pornographic material, report it to your local police department.
Tips to Improve Your Online Profile
Your online profile can be viewed by anyone, including coaches, employers, and college admissions officers. So be careful what you put on them. Are you comfortable with what yours says about you?
Need Help? How to Stay Safe on the Internet
- Never give out personal information, such as your name, home address or phone number, the name of your school, pictures, credit card numbers or the names of your parents without permission from your parents.
- Do not meet in person with someone you met online.
- Do not give out your password to anyone.
- Do not open links or files from people you do not know.
- Never respond to e-mails with pornographic or other inappropriate material.
- Do not respond to advertisements — this confirms that you have a working e-mail account, and you will only receive more junk e-mail.
- Report Internet Crime to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor, doctor or coach). You can also report any pornographic sites or sexual solicitations to www.cybertipline.com or 800-843-5678.
For video clips that are useful on internet safety, view the links below:
1) Safety with Online Social networking http://www.nsteens.org/videos/social-networking/
2) Offline Consequences of Your Online Profile http://www.nsteens.org/videos/offline-consequences/
3) Cyberbullying http://www.nsteens.org/videos/cyberbullying/
4) Safety when Gaming http://www.nsteens.org/videos/gaming/
If you prefer a list of safety tips for teens rather than videos, refer to:
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=207
Useful Websites
http://www.wiredsafety.org/safety/index.html
References
1. Cox Communications’ National Teen Summit on Internet and Wireless Safety Addresses Cyberbullying, Sexting and Other Safety Issues, at http://cox.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=427, last accessed 9/1/10
2. SEX AnD TECH: Results from a Survey of Teens and Young Adults, at http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/sextech/PDF/SexTech_Summary.pdf, last accessed 9/1/10
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