Almost a quarter of the kids accounted for in the study had at least one social network account at age 12, while 17% were social media users at 10.
Bitdefender found that children lie about their age when creating social network profiles, especially on Facebook, where they are supposed to be least 13.
“Kids nowadays are acting like young adults online. Just give them an Internet-connected device, and they will find a way to things parents would like to ban forever,” says Bitdefender Chief Security Strategist Catalin Cosoi.
The survey also found that gaming, hacking and so-called “hate” websites, where youngsters are free to use profanity and express disdain, are hot destinations for kids and teens.
“Kids lie about their age to get access to something they want to explore, in this case, a social network,” says Jo Webber, CEO of Virtual Piggy, a website that enables kids to manage and spend money within a parent-controlled environment. “It’s no different than my generation lying about age to get cigarettes or into a bar.”
Webber said this new generation of children was born into an Internet-centric society.
“The Internet is a huge system that houses good and bad,” Webber said. “Parents need to stay involved with their children and be ready to explain things that their children may stumble upon.”
Webber is right. But I’ll go one step further: Parents should also take measures to prevent their kids from “stumbling” onto porn – especially in their own homes.
COMMENTARY: Why Are Six-Year-Old Kids Watching Internet Porn? was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
