Cyber Safety for the Cyber Generation

Girl Scouts Promote a Cyber Safe Summer

Media Contact:
Ann Marie van den Hurk, APR
302-456-7170
avandenhurk@cbgsc.org

Newark, DE,  June 2, 2005:  Computer technology is ingrained in the social and academic lives of girls of the “Cyber Generation.” However, the dangers of the internet aren’t.  The issues and experiences teenage girls face on the Internet are concerning.

Girl Scout Research Institute has been providing the voice of girls regarding their experiences on the Internet and how they feel safe. In recent studies, girls told us that:

- Thirty percent of girls who have gone into public chat rooms have been sexually harassed online, but only 7 percent of those girls say they told their mother or father about the incident immediately.

- Most girls try to avoid pornographic sites, calling them "disturbing," but say they are frequently spammed or end up on these sites accidentally.

- Almost one-quarter of teens have fewer than three adults they can go to if they are in trouble or need help.

- Twenty-six percent of girls ages 8-17 are concerned about being kidnapped.

- Twenty-four percent of girls ages 8-17 are afraid of being forces to do something sexual.

Computer-savvy teenage girls report going online anywhere from twice a week to several times a day. Although it hasn’t replaced other communications, the Internet with its e-mail and instant messaging features, is an integral part of girls’ computer experiences. Too often these computer-savvy teens are still naïve and emotional vulnerable. They report grappling with issues such as how to react to sexual online content they unwittingly encounter or to being harassed. 

Girls want parents and adults to fully understand their online lives. However, girls sometimes rely too much on their own judgment in making decisions about how to behave online. Girls are aware of the varied dangers of the Internet, but want more proactive involvement rather than prohibitive don’ts from parents. All reap many positive and safe benefits from Internet usage, as it allows girls to build social self-confidence and express intense emotions they may not otherwise share.

When empowered with knowledge and given pertinent advice, girls can successfully navigate both positive and negative experiences on online.

What can we do as adults to helping girls navigate the Internet safely?

Here are some tips:
- Talk to her about safety rules for using the Internet. Her common sense is probably very different from yours.

- Discuss with her what her online rules should be such as how much time she can spend online, what kinds of sites she can visit, etc. Consider her input seriously.

- Know what she is doing online such as what sites is she visiting or does she go into public chat rooms? Familiarize yourself with the Internet.

- Maintain an open dialogue with her about her Internet use. Be willing to compromise, but make sure she understands your concerns are for her safety.

- Encourage her to teach you some new Internet-related skills opening a door to communication.

- Without becoming overly judgmental, help her solve problems she encounters online. Make sure she knows she can come to you with those problems.

- Prepare your daughter for the kinds of uncomfortable experiences she might have online, without making her feel that the Internet is a totally frightening place.

- Find out what her friends are doing online so you know what her Internet social reality is all about.

If teens are armed with knowledge, trust, and support, they’ll be able to use the Internet safely.

Visit www.girlscoutschesapeakebay.org to find more resources.

Cyber Safe Fact Fact

Tips for Talking

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