The main risk to preadolescents and
adolescents online today are risks
from each other, risks of improper use
of technology, lack of privacy, sharing
too much information, or posting false
information about themselves or others.
These types of behavior put their
privacy at risk.
When Internet users visit various Web
sites, they can leave behind evidence of
which sites they have visited. This collective,
ongoing record of one’s Web
activity is called the “digital footprint.”
One of the biggest threats to young
people on social media sites is to their
digital footprint and future reputations.
Preadolescents and adolescents
who lack an awareness of privacy issues
often post inappropriate messages,
pictures, and videos without understanding
that “what goes online
stays online.” As a result, future jobs
and college acceptance may be put
into jeopardy by inexperienced and
rash clicks of the mouse. Indiscriminate
Internet activity also can make
children and teenagers easier for marketers
and fraudsters to target.