Social Networking Sites

National Center For Missing and Exploited ChildrenDialogue on Social Networking Web SitesJune 22, 2006Washington, DC

Feb. 17, 2006 -- Washington, DCParents & Teens: IEF

Methodology

• Interviewed 1100 parent-child pairs via telephone

• Sample pulled from RDD samples

• 4 focus groups with MS & HS students (2004) and 7 focus groups (2006)

• Tracking surveys of Adult Americans

Feb. 17, 2006 – Washington, DCParents and Teens: IEF

Teen & Parent Internet Basics• 87% of teens 12-17 online• 80% of parents online• 73% of all adult Americans online• Of 13% of teens who don’t go online, 1 in 10 say that

fears, bad experiences, or their parents keep them offline

• 47% of offline teens once went online • Overall only 7% of all American teens have never

used the internet.• 62% of online Americans have broadband

Feb. 17, 2006 – Washington, DCParents and Teens: IEF

Social Networking

• “Online Social Networks are web spaces where individuals can post information about themselves, usually by creating a profile or website, and where they can connect with others in the same network.”

• Two main elements to social networking that relate to its appeal to teens (and young adults)– Connecting and communicating with others– Content creation a.k.a. self-expression

Feb. 17, 2006 – Washington, DCParents and Teens: IEF

Connecting and Communicating

• 89% of online teens have ever sent or received email• 74% of online teens use instant messaging• 45% of ALL teens have a cellular phone• 38% of teens have sent a text message from a cell phone

• Other activities of similar popularity –

*84% of online teens have visited websites where they could learn more about movies, tv shows, music groups or sports stars

*80% of online teens have played online games • You can do these things on the most popular social

networking sites, too

Feb. 17, 2006 – Washington, DCParents and Teens: IEF

Teens and Content Creation

• 57% of online teens have created content for the internet– 19% Blog– Website: personal (22%), group or school assignment (32%)– 33% Share original content

• Artwork • Photos• Writing• Videos• Songs

– 19% Remix content found online into a new creation

Feb. 17, 2006 -- Washington, DCParents & Teens: IEF

Online Behavior Parent & Teen Attitudes

• 81% of parents and 79% of teens agree that kids are not as careful as they should be about the information they give out online

• 62% of parents and 62% of teens agree that kids do things online that they wouldn’t want their parents to know about

• Overall, most parents believe that the internet is a good thing for their children

Amanda LenhartSenior Research SpecialistPew Internet & American Life Project

http://www.pewinternet.orgalenhart@pewinternet.org