Do you know how much time your child is spending on the Internet? New studies suggest most parents grossly underestimate the amount of time their children are spending online.
According to the Center for Media Research, most parents in the United States estimate that their children spend about two hours a month on the Internet. In reality, kids and teens are spending upwards of 20 hours a month surfing the Web.
Additionally, about 41 percent of U.S. teens claim their parents have no idea what they are looking at online. The study conducted showed that the most popular online activities are online dating (23 percent), visiting social networking sites (50 percent), and playing games (72 percent).
The “Norton Online Living Report” states that 76 percent of U.S. teens ages 13–17 "constantly" or "frequently" visit social networking sites. When used correctly, social networking sites provide a great online area where children and teens can interact with friends and family members.
However, these sites often create the illusion of being a safe haven for sharing personal information and stories with strangers. According to the “Norton Online Living Report,” 4 in 10 teens, ages 13–17, have received an online request for personal information. In addition, 16 percent of U.S. children have been approached online by a stranger. Adults living in the U.S. generally underestimate this number; most believe only about 6 percent of children are ever approached by a stranger online.
What do these numbers tell us? Parents need to do more to ensure that their child or teen is safe on the Internet. On average, according to the Norton Online Living report, only one-third of parents worldwide set parental controls or monitor their child's Internet usage.
What many do not realize is that communication with others online is available everywhere. Even online games have integrated instant messaging and chats—so quickly that most parents do not realize their children are interacting with complete strangers.
Internet safety advocates from Symantec, an Internet security company, believe parents are in the dark about what their children are doing online, and that there is a clear digital divide between parents and their "cyber-savvy" children.
To help ensure that children are staying safe while surfing the Internet, make sure they follows these rules:
• Keep personal information private.
• Reject “friend request” from anyone they do not know.
• Be wary of strangers who want to meet in person.
• Report any suspicious behavior to you, the Web site, and the police, if necessary.
Computers are a part of life for most children today. The Internet can be an educational and informative place, but it can also pose risks and threaten the safety of children if used incorrectly. It is essential for parents to become familiar with the Internet in order to set rules and monitor their children's computer usage.
More information on children's Internet usage and social networking sites is available on Familyeducation.com
