6-16-2009 National:
Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When “think before you click” becomes as vital a lesson as “look before you leap,” it is clear that measures must be taken to create a safer cyber world for society’s youth.
For the fifth consecutive year, Cox Communications has partnered with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and John Walsh, host of America’s Most Wanted, to inform parents of the potential dangers of the Internet and provide ways they can protect their kids online. Under the auspices of Cox’s Take Charge! program, the partners will present the results of a new survey on the behavior of young people online and their use of wireless devices.
Taking place on June 24th, in Washington, DC, Cox Communications’ Annual National Summit will feature the survey in conjunction with a candid discussion with a teen focus group.
Under the auspices of Cox’s Take Charge! program, the partners are continuing their efforts to help parents and guardians understand the potential dangers of the Internet and how they can help keep their kids safer online though ongoing research and frank discussion at the fourth annual National Summit on Internet Safety which will be held in Washington, DC on June 24th.
WHAT:
Cox Communications’ 4th Annual National Summit on Internet Safety
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
- Teen Summit at 9:00 a.m.
- Virtual Media Conference at 10:45 a.m.
WHERE:
National Cable & Telecommunications Association
25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW – Suite 100
Washington, DC 20001
Woodbridge High School student Nieman Jeffrey of Irvine is one of just 10 teens chosen nationwide to attend the Summit and provide feedback on the dangers of cyberbullying and other risky and often risqué behaviors such as sexting. A staff member at the Boys & Girls Club, Jeffrey is a mentor and friend to many; a position that often places him on the frontlines of the challenges of teenage dynamics.
“While working at the Boys & Girls Club, two girls created a website to make fun of a boy. The website was intended to damage the boy’s self-esteem, which resulted in his becoming deeply depressed and hurt by the situation.” Jeffrey continues, “The staff members resolved the matter, but it was difficult, as the girls didn’t make the website at the Club. It required parents, staff and even the police working together to resolve the problem.”
“I feel that teens should be made more aware of the dangers of the Internet and cell phones, so they don’t have to make their own mistakes in order to learn.” Jeffrey concludes, “I believe that teens who have experienced cyberbullying or the consequences of sexting need to speak at assemblies and meetings in order for others to truly understand that these problems are real.”
At the June 24th Summit, Jeffrey will join other teens from Cox markets across the country in a discussion on cyber-safety and ways that parents, guardians and teen mentors can help children become safer online. Complete results of the survey and information from the teen discussion will be presented immediately following the Summit via virtual media conference; John Walsh and select teens will also be available to answer questions. Jeffrey will join fellow Summit participants to deliver the news directly to Capitol Hill in meetings with members of Congress on June 25th.
Key results from the survey conducted by Harris Interactive include:
-Technology enabled: 91% of teens have an email address and 60% have an instant messenger screen name. 63% of teens have a cell phone and 59% have a digital camera.
-Acceptance of Social Networking: 72% of teens surveyed have online social networking profiles, where many have posted photos of themselves and their friends, along with personal information.
-Conflicted over Safety: 59% of teens say having personal information or photos on a public site is unsafe, supported by 26% saying they know someone who has had a negative experience as a result. Still, 62% of teens post photos of themselves on blogs or social networking sites on which greater than 40% name their school or the city in which they live.
-Prevalent Cyberbullying: More than 33% of teens surveyed have been cyberbullied, perpetrated cyberbullying or know of friends who have experienced or perpetrated it, and 68% think it is a serious problem. An estimated four in five teens believe that bullying online is easier to get away with or to hide from their parents than bullying in person.
-Engaging in Sexting: 19% of teens surveyed have engaged in sexting -- sending, receiving or forwarding sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude photos through text message or email. 60% of teens who sent sexts say they send photos to their boyfriend/girlfriend, but 11% say they have sent sexts to someone they do not even know. 81% of teen sexters are under 18.
-Online Wirelessly: 19% of teens surveyed connect online via their cell phone and 19% say their parents are unaware. 80% of teens whose parents know they are online via their cell phone, say they are not given any limits or controls.
About Cox's Take Charge Initiative:
Cox's Take Charge! program was launched in 2004 to educate parents and guardians about the importance of Internet safety and help families gain the most from mass media in the home. It provides scores of resources to help parents and guardians manage their children’s use of the television, Internet and wireless devices. More information on Take Charge! is available at www.Cox.com/TakeCharge.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online among 655 U.S. teens ages 13-18 within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Cox Communications between April 9 and 21, 2009. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available. ..Source.. by COX Communications
No comments:
Post a Comment