Popular social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Sconex make it easier for teens to post and share personal information, pictures and videos, which may make them more vulnerable to online predators. Teenage girls are particularly at risk of online sexual exploitation -- a recent study by University of New Hampshire researchers for NCMEC found that of the approximately one in seven youth who received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet, 70 percent were girls.
"The Internet is one of the greatest technological advances of our time, but it also makes it alarmingly easy for sexual predators to find and contact children," stated Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. "As Attorney General and as a father, I am committed to protecting our children from pedophiles who troll the Internet for kids. The Think Before You Post campaign sends a strong reminder to children and their parents to be cautious when posting personal information online because anything you post, anyone can see: family, friends and even not-so-friendly people."
Another study conducted by Cox Communications shows that 61 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds have a personal profile on social networking sites such as MySpace, Friendster, or Xanga. In addition, the study found that half of these have posted pictures of themselves online and that one out of five teens reported that it is safe (i.e. "somewhat" or "very safe") to share personal information on a public blog or networking site. Thirty-seven percent of 13- to 17-year-olds said they're "not very concerned" or "not at all concerned" about someone using personal information they've posted online in ways they haven't approved.
"We are very pleased to join with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Ad Council on the third year of our campaign entitled Think Before You Post," said Ernie Allen, president and CEO of NCMEC. "This PSA campaign is targeted to reach teenage girls and deliver the vital message of not posting identity-revealing information or photos of themselves online that could put them at risk for abduction or exploitation."
The PSA campaign includes TV, radio, magazine and Web advertising. The ads encourage girls to "think before you post" personal information that would leave them vulnerable to online predators. The PSAs seek to educate teens that the Internet is not a "private" place, rather it's a public place and social networking profiles and blogs potentially release information that can be easily found by anyone, including ill-intentioned people. All of the PSAs direct audiences to www.cybertipline.com to get tips to help prevent online sexual exploitation or to report an incident.
Previous work created for the campaign has focused on increasing awareness of parents and guardians about the prevalence of online sexual exploitation, and on preventing girls from forming inappropriate online relationships with adult men in an effort to reduce their risk of sexual exploitation and abduction. The new PSAs will be distributed to television and radio stations nationwide this week and can be viewed on the Ad Council's Web site.
