Survey on teen online behavior encouraging
In a recent survey of 1400 children and teens from 10 to 17-years-old,* it appears that teens are careful about disclosing too much personal information to digital strangers. The report titled “The Secret Life of Teens” indicates that 36% share only their first name, 28% their age, and 19% their email address. Only 10% provide more information including a photo of themselves, school name, last name and cell phone number.
Teens draw the line at giving out identifiable information about their parents. The survey also showed that virtually no teenagers had given out their social security number. The jury remains out on the number of students who have experienced an incident of cyberbullying . Some studies measure the percentage at close to 50% while the Harris report says the percentage is at 11%. Whatever the number, in reality the incidents of cyberbullying is probably higher due to underreporting of all bullying.
States continue to wage the war against bullying of all kinds as courts similarly struggle to interpret and enforce the laws. Approximately 43 states have anti-bullying statutes while less than two dozen include or cover cyberbullying. For more information about bullying and cyberbullying visit these websites:
