Risky Internet Behaviors of middle-School Students Communication With Online Strangers and Offline Contact

摘要

In today's world, more children and adolescents are reporting the Internet as their primary mode of communication. They use the Internet for the majority of their social networking behaviors, including sending personal pictures and other personal information,1"5 which could potentially put them at risk. For children, online access can be achieved from almost anywhere, for example, home, school, the community library, or a friend's home. Access can even be free via wireless zones, or video game systems, and most cell phones are capable of providing 24/7 contact with the World Wide Web. The Internet has become the major means of business and personal communication, while at the same time providing individual access to sources of information and education that can feel almost limitless. However, there is also a downside that can be hazardous. Online there is the potential for cyber bullying, harassment, access to pornography, online predators, sexual solicitation, identity theft, and cyber stalking, to name a few.