Children, Privacy, and the Internet

Children’s use of the Internet for educational, social, and entertainment purposes has skyrocketed. Online email, blogs, wikis, instant messaging, and chat rooms are the communication tools of our newest generation. A recent study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project confirms this. The study revealed that, although relatively few adults regularly keep or read blogs, 1 in 5 kids between the ages of 12 and 17 (approximately 4 million) keeps a blog. Nearly 8 million kids admit to regularly reading them.

Adults who work with kids cannot help but appreciate the power of the Internet. In fact, tech-savvy teachers frequently tap into this power. They craft assignments that hone their students’ electronic research skills, monitor student blogs as part of creative writing assignments, and create podcasts of their students’ works that can be electronically shared with family and friends. Children’s book authors and illustrators use the Internet to reach young readers, as well. Well-designed websites draw young readers in and serve as wonderful marketing vehicles for released and upcoming books.

But the Internet has a dark side, too. The Internet knows no geographic borders and its users are afforded anonymity. This is troublesome, particularly for young users who may not understand the risks associated with chat room discussions, blog postings, and other electronic communications. It also makes it hard to figure out where to draw the line legislatively.