Internet Risks

What Are the Risks? 

There are a few risks for children who use the Internet or other online services. Teenagers are particularly at risk because they often go online unsupervised and are more likely than younger children to participate in online discussions regarding companionship, relationships, or sexual activity. If you have a teen in your family or you are a teenager, check out Teen Safety on the Information Highway or order a free copy by calling 1-800-843-5678. 

Some risks are:

Exposure to Inappropriate Material A child may be exposed to inappropriate material that is sexual, hateful, or violent in nature, or encourages activities that are dangerous or illegal. Children could seek out such material but may also come across it on the web via chat areas, E-mail, or even instant messaging if they’re not looking for it. 

Physical Molestation 

A child might provide information or arrange an encounter that could risk his or her safety or the safety of other family members. In some cases child molesters have used chat areas, E-mail, and instant messages to gain a child’s confidence and then arrange a face-to-face meeting. 

Harassment and Bullying 

A child might encounter messages via chat, E-mail, or their cellular telephones that are belligerent, demeaning, or harassing. “Bullies,” typically other young people, often use the Internet to bother their victims. 

Viruses and Hackers 

A child could download a file containing a virus that could damage the computer or increase the risk of a “hacker” gaining remote access to the computer; jeopardizing the family’s privacy; and, perhaps, jeopardizing the family’s safety. 

Legal and Financial

A child could do something that has negative legal or financial consequences such as giving out a parent’s credit-card number or doing something 

While children need a certain amount of privacy, they also need parental involvement.... that violates another person’s rights. Legal issues aside, children should be taught good “netiquette” which means to avoid being inconsiderate, mean, or rude.