Is the Internet the Source?

Abstract

Public perception of deleterious youth experiences on the Internet has been largely shaped by sensationalist mass media coverage. However, research conducted by the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire tells a story that seemingly contradicts the lurid picture painted by tabloids and cable news outlets. Over the past five years, the Center has conducted two national, cross-sectional telephone surveys of youths and their caretakers to determine the incidence of unwanted sexual solicitation, harassment, and unwanted exposure to pornography experienced by adolescents. The overall incidence and five-year trends are presented in this issue of the Journal (K. Mitchell, J. Wolak and D. Finkelhor, Trends in youth reports of sexual solicitations, harassment and unwanted exposure to pornography on the Internet, J Adolesc Health 40 (2007), pp. 116–126). These findings help provide some insight into the murky elements of Internet exploitation nationwide, yet do not construct a comprehensive image of youth on the Internet. In comparing data between 2000 and 2005, Mitchell et al found, among other things, a significant decline in the overall percentage of youth reporting unwanted sexual solicitations. This finding did not apply to minority youth or youth from lower income households when considered separately. Solicitations characterized as being “aggressive” (those most likely to evolve into a crime) remained static. Girls were more likely than boys to report sexual solicitation, and, finally, the number of youth who reported they harassed others while online doubled. Language: en