Chat Riskier for Kids Than MySpace

• Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2008
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• Author: pradhana
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• Filed under: Facebook, MySpace, Online Services, Social Network

Social networks have taken a lot of heat in the news related to the threat posed by child predators, but they may not actually be the riskiest places for US kids online, according to an Internet Solutions for Kids-University of New Hampshire study published in Pediatrics.

Among 1,600 children ages 10 to 15 surveyed, 4% had experienced unwanted sexual solicitation and 9% were harassed while on a social networking site.

The study found that solicitations occurred with greater frequency in instant messaging and chat rooms than on social networking sites. Children were solicited 59% more often during instant messaging and 19% more in chat rooms than on social networking sites.

"Internet safety is not just about whether your child is on MySpace or not," the researchers said. "You should know what your children are doing on MySpace and Facebook. But you also need to know what your children are doing in school, after school, at parties, at the mall, online - basically all environments in which they engage. You can't just focus on one place and assume that your job is done." [eMarketer]

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