Teens want to talk about the problem and parents know they should, but they just don’t
Parents and guardians who are unfamiliar with gaming and streaming platforms
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As more attention is paid to the time teenagers spend on the Internet, especially on social media and gaming sites, new research from the McCain Institute TRUE friends don’t The campaign highlights how little parents and teens are actually communicating about the potential dangers that exist online. The study, titled “The REAL Talk: What Parents and Teens Know They Should Talk About But Don’t,” found a serious lack of meaningful parent-child conversations about online grooming and risky behaviors like sexting and sharing nude photographs.
“This research reveals what experts have long warned would happen as a result of increased time spent online during the pandemic. Our work confirms the urgent need to get accurate and actionable information about online safety into the hands of parents and teenagers,” he says Kelsey Symsprogram manager of Combatting Human Trafficking at the McCain Institute. “The REAL Friends Don’t campaign serves as a go-to resource to help parents and teens have these conversations and navigate the digital world safely.”
Released in conjunction with National Internet Safety Month taking place throughout June, the findings shed light on the need for more dialogue about Internet safety. Nearly half of parents and caregivers (45%) have not talked to their children about sexting and sharing nude photos online, and over a third (36%) said they have not discussed online grooming with their son. However, over 90% of caregivers believe these three topics are at least somewhat important to discuss with their children, including 8 in 10 caregivers who say they are “very important,” exposing a worrying mismatch between beliefs and actions. of parents.
Additionally, the study found that many parents are alarmingly in the dark about gaming and streaming platforms where chats with strangers often take place. Platforms like Minecraft, Roblox, and Discord had the greatest gap between caregiver familiarity and lowest usage.
The McCain Institute has identified significant barriers that must be overcome to create a substantive dialogue about safe behavior on the Internet. For example, the main obstacle preventing parents from discussing sexting and sharing nude photos with their children is the belief that their child is too young for such a conversation. And among those parents who discussed the topic of sexting or sharing nude photos, the risk of embarrassment was a top concern in having the discussion. Meanwhile, among minors, more than 25% believe that their caregivers’ reluctance to talk about sexting or grooming is the main reason they haven’t had these conversations.
“Having a conversation with your child about safe online behavior is more important than ever,” she said Kristen Abramssenior director of combating human trafficking at the McCain Institute. “As a parent, I recognize that it can be difficult. However, it’s vital that our children know that they can turn to us for guidance and help if something goes wrong or makes them feel uncomfortable.”
The national study included 600 online interviews with children aged 13-17 and 805 online interviews with parents and guardians of children aged 9-17. The margin of error for the child audience is 4.0 at the 95% confidence level, while the margin of error for the caregiver audience is 3.5 at the 95% confidence level. The margin of error for both audiences is higher between subgroups.
About true friends no
THE REAL. Not friends The campaign raises awareness and educates parents, caregivers and young people about online safety and empowers parents to protect their children from harmful content, solicitation or online exploitation. The campaign uses an integrated suite of activities to reach those most at risk, from an online resource center to billboards, influencer-led social media campaigns and public art.
About the McCain Institute a Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a Senator-inspired nonpartisan organization John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington DC Our programs promote democracy and human rights, strengthen character-driven leaders, combat human trafficking, and prevent targeted violence. Our unique power to convene leaders from across the global political spectrum allows us to have real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe and just world for all.
From Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for America’s research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU is measured by those it includes, not those it excludes. As a prototype for a new American universityASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes the greatest responsibility for the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
Contact:
Patrick McCann
press@mccaininstitute.org
202-601-4288
Mike Loughran
Mikel@booth.com
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SOURCE McCain Institute
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