- Will your child tell you if they are in trouble online?
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The Internet is an amazing place: a bounty of information available any time, any where. It also provides intimate access to technologically savvy but naïve children. Along with the wealth of information are risks: cyberbullying, phishing and predators. Research shows that:
- 54% of teens talk about subjects referencing sex on MySpace social networking site.1
- 1 in 25 youth in one year received an online sexual solicitation where the solicitor tried to make offline contact2
- 39% of middle school students have posted photos of themselves, 36% have posted their real names, and 14% have posted their schedules and personal contact information.3
Although some things about being a teen have not changed much over the decades, a lack of caution, desire to fit in and developing sexuality, are teamed with limitless opportunities in today’s cyber world. The cyber journey offers 24/7 friends, and in many households, little parental guidance.
The San Diego Police Foundation and regional law enforcement San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are leading a public education campaign in cooperation with schools and parents countywide. Middle school students participating in our SafetyNet™ program indicate an increased understanding of risks. Parents say they will increase supervision of their children's cyber activities.
The program is made possible by grants from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, AT&T Foundation, and the Lotus Children’s Fund.
You can help fight Internet crimes against children. Join our campaign!- I’ll make a contribution. donate_now!
- Report suspected child pornography or child sexual abuse: www.cybertipline.com or call (800) 843-5678.
1 Moreno, M. et al. (Jan 2009). Reducing At-Risk Adolescents’ Display of Risk Behavior on a Social Networking Web Site. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Vol. 163, No. 1.
2 Wolak, J., Finkelhor, D., Ybarra, M. & Mitchell, K. (Feb-Mar 200). Online “Predators” and Their Victims: Myths, Realities, and Implications for Prevention and Treatment. American Psychologist. Vol. 63, No. 2, (111-128).
3 McQuade, S.C., & Sampat, N. (2008). Survey of Internet and At-Risk Behaviors. Retrieved June 12, 2009 from the Rochester Institute of Technology website.
Bridging the Digital Divide: What Parents Need to Know
Parents need help crossing the digital divide. Children need guidance to safely and responsibly use today’s rapidly changing technology.
- The seeming anonymity of the Internet has opened the door to new threats.
- 80% of middle school youth would not feel comfortable going to their parents if they got “in trouble” online.
Join us at this event to get tools and resources you need to help you parent our first online generation!
This is a free community program. If you would like to schedule a program for your school or community organization, please email us at icac@sdpolicefoundation.org.
