Communication is the Key

49% of 5-8 graders “Never” (24%) or “Rarely” (25%) discuss e-Safety with their parents. This number is higher in 9-12 graders. 64% of high school students “Never” (27%) or “Rarely” (37%) discuss e-Safety with their parents.

An interesting discrepancy to remember: while 88% of parents indicate that they have established rules for their children’s Internet activity, more than 1 in 3 students (38%) indicate that they do not have Internet usage rules that have been set by their parents or guardians.

These figures indicate that the perception and definition of online-use rules should be more clearly defined and agreed upon between parents/guardians and their children in order to maximize the online safety of the entire family.

Open communication needs to happen from both sides — parent/guardian and child. Consider these additional findings from NAC student pre-assessment surveys (2006-07):

• 48% of 5-12 graders with Internet friends tell their parents almost nothing about their online friends.
• 39% of parents indicated that they are “very” (13%) or “somewhat” (26%) concerned about the amount of time their children spend on the Internet.
• 20% of parents consider their ability to monitor and shelter their children from inappropriate material on the Internet as inadequate.

Internet Generation Gap

Why is the Generation Gap Important?

The Evolution of Predators

Dangers Kids and Teens Face Online

e-Safety for the Youth of America

Communication is the Key  (You are Here)

Computers in the Bedroom