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Learning Objective 1: Idenify 4 high risk Internet behaviors.
Learning Objective 2: Idenify 3 assessment techiniques that nurses can use when evaluating preteen online behaviors.
Internet safety is a growing global health concern especially among adults and youth who live in an “instant messaging” world of technological communication and social networks. Developmentally, risky behavior is part of a youth’s growth and, for some, the level of risk taking behavior increases as they age. The Internet has now moved risk taking behaviors into the global public health arena. To address these concerns a study was undertaken to more clearly identify the online general use, safety knowledge, and risk behaviors of Middle school students.
Methods
This exploratory study identified the usage and characteristics of online youth, Internet victimization or solicitation of youth, and pornographic seeking or delinquent behaviors. The 404 students were recruited from public and parochial schools consisted of both boys 47.2% (n = 192) and girls 52.4% (n = 212) (mean age 12 years of age).
Results
These students reported the beginnings of high risk Internet behavior, specifically, giving out personal information, using the Internet to harass or embarrass another person, and for a small number of students, chatting with strangers and starting relationships. Although only 20% (n=81) of middle school students posted their picture online, this act was a significant indicator of other risky Internet behaviors. These students were more likely to: have sent their picture to someone, make rude or nasty comments to others, play online jokes, to harass or embarrass someone, and seek out pornographic sites.
Conclusions & Implications
Findings suggest that middle school students are beginning risky behaviors on the Internet. Risk taking behavior is not unique to adolescents but the consequences can be detrimental to their development. Nurses can organize their assessments to better evaluate the level of online risk behaviors and safety knowledge in order to evaluate children at risk, to make referrals, intervene and to educate parents.