The research that shows a disconnect between parents and their children regarding Internet usage was published by Webroot Software, a leading provider of security software for the consumer, enterprise and SMB markets. Named "The Webroot® State of Internet Security Report", the study corroborates existing concerns connecting the online activities of children ages 5 to 17, and uncovers a number of discrepancies among children’s self-reported online activities versus what parents believe them to be. The report further discusses potential legal implications and security risks parents may face due to their children’s online behavior and best practices for ensuring a safe online experience for children.

    Mike Irwin, COO, Webroot Software, stated: “These discrepancies, while not shocking for many parents, are concerning. Without proper parental guidance, children can put themselves at risk, compromise valuable family information, or be the sources of bad behavior like illegally downloading videos or music or bullying. The good news here is that these potential problems can be largely avoided if parents apply the same vigilance to the online world as in the ‘offline’ world. Direct and ongoing conversations with our kids, and establishing guidelines with the help of the right technology, will go a long way in supporting good judgment.”

    More than 70 percent of the children surveyed (ages 11 to 17) said their parents ask them about their online activities, the Webroot State of Internet Security Report unveiled a number of significant differences between child Internet activities compared to parent perception.

From the study we can find:

 * More than half of the children said they buy things online; 71 percent of parents said their children never buy over the Internet.
 * Forty-five percent of children surveyed stated that they spend an average of three or more hours on the Internet daily while, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 61 percent of all 13 year-olds spend one hour or less on homework; 76 percent of parents believe their children spend an average of two hours or less on the Internet.
 * Forty percent of the children utilize instant messaging and social networking websites, such as MySpace® and Facebook® everyday; only 30 percent of the parents surveyed believe their children use these sites.

For parents:

The study also revealed that parents and guardians, of children ages 5 to 17, are understandably concerned about the risks associated with Internet usage including exposure to online predators and pornography.

    * Nearly 40 percent of children ages 11 to 17 reported they received a sexually explicit email or pop-up advertisement within the past year. Nearly 100 percent of the children surveyed utilize email.
    *   Forty-three percent of teens surveyed who use social networking sites reported an invitation via the Internet to meet someone they did not know within the past year.

    Irwin added:  “Not only do parents need to be concerned about teaching their children about online safety, but they need to protect themselves as well as their home computing systems. Parents are leaving themselves open to cyber criminals and putting their personal data at risk if their child unknowingly, or even knowingly, engages in dangerous activity or chat while on social networking sites, malware infected sites, clicking on random links, or opening email from strangers. And, it’s just as important that parents realize their responsibility if their child engages in hacking, bullying or trademark or copyright violations committed by their children when illegally downloading music or videos. A little awareness can be very helpful.”  

For more information visit http://www.webroot.com/pdf/Webroot_SoIS_Q0207.pdf