Social Networking Sites and the Dangers They Pose to Youth: Some Australian Findings

Abstract

Social networking sites are increasingly being used by young people as a mode of social communication. Unfortunately, associated with the use of social networking sites come the risk of cyberbullying and the danger of sexual predation. This article uses a mixed methods approach to gain an understanding of the prevalence and perceptions of such risks among young people. The key focus of this article is not only to identify the prevalence of specific risks associated with social networking sites, but also to explore young people's understanding of these risks and how they manage them. This was accomplished by having a sample of South Australians complete a questionnaire about their experiences and perceptions of risk when using social networking sites. The implications of this study are that educating young people will hopefully minimise the likelihood that they will suffer harm if subjected to the twin intrusions of cyberbullying and sexual predation. A young person who has a sound knowledge of the risks of using social networking sites will be potentially less naïve, and therefore better equipped to deal with adverse communications they encounter when online.