Internet Safety
Startling Statistic:
One in seven U.S. adolescents who regularly log on to the Internet reported that they have received an unwanted sexual solicitation via the Web. Solicitations were defined as requests to engage in sexual activities, sexual talk or to give personal sexual information that was unwanted or, whether wanted or not, made by an adult. — 
Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years Later, 2006 (489 KB)
Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years Later, 2006 (489 KB)Recommendations to parents and guardians:
- Use the Internet with your kids and help them be safe and responsible online.
- Talk to your children about potential dangers on the Internet.
- Spend time with your children to learn about their online interests.
- Set limits on the amount of time your child can spend online each day or week.
Internet safety tips to teach your children:
- Never give out personal information.
- Never agree to meet with someone you have met on the Internet.
- Tell a trusted adult right away if you come across information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Where to go for more information on Internet safety:
http://www.wiredsafety.org/ — WiredSafety is the world's largest and oldest online safety, education and help group, comprised of 11,000 volunteers. It provides one-to-one help, extensive information and education to cyberspace users of all ages on a myriad of Internet and interactive technology safety issues.
www.getnetwise.org — Get Net Wise is a public service created by a coalition of Internet corporations and public interest organizations to help families have an educational, entertaining and safe online experience.
www.ikeepsafe.org — The Internet Keep Safe Coalition is a coalition of governors and/or first spouses, crime prevention organizations, law enforcement agencies, foundations and corporate sponsors that teach children the importance of protecting personal information and avoiding inappropriate sites on the Internet.
The AMA Alliance is a proud supporter of the Internet Keep Safe Coalition, which teaches basic rules of Internet safety to children and adults through its Faux Paw, the Techno Cat, educational materials. Learn more and order the Alliance Youth Health Fact Sheets, including a fact sheet on Internet Safety (305 KB).
Internet Safety (305 KB).