NCJ Number
207087
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2004 Pages: 46-52
Date Published
September 2004
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This review of the literature on teens' use of the Internet examines whether parent's fears about the negative effects on their children of some Internet transmissions are justified.
Abstract
Parents' anxieties about their children's use of the Internet revolve around exposure to pornography, the social isolation that may be caused by excessive Internet use, and the predatory Internet strategies of pedophiles designed to lure children into sexual conversation and even real-life contact. Surveys indicate that children and youth are using the Internet in ever-increasing numbers. Although research on reasons why children and youth use the Internet is sparse, surveys of parents indicate that their children use the Internet for entertainment, education, information, and communication with others. There is no persuasive evidence that Internet use by children and youth increases their social isolation. In fact, Internet use tends to increase positive communication with peers in their existing social networks. Parents concerns that their children will be exposed to online pornography, however, are justified. Although youth may visit pornographic Web sites by choice, they may also be exposed to pornographic material unwittingly. Regarding sexual solicitations online, a survey of American youth found that 19 percent of Internet users ages 10 to 17 years old had received an unwanted sexual solicitation in the previous 12 months, but none of these solicitations resulted in any sexual contact or assault. With the exception of Japan, online threats that lead to assaults are rare. Crimes that result from contact through "dating sites" are apparently a problem in Japan, which may be a trend distinctive to Japanese culture. 42 references