The potential risks associated with Internet use for minors primarily involve exposure to social media and cyberbullyin, issues with online privacy, and threats from hackers. The Internet's vast and uncontrolled nature makes it a fertile ground for criminal activities against minors, including sex crimes, with ongoing debates on how to balance freedom of expression with safety measures.
Recent research into potential risks associated with the use of the Internet has found that many Internet sex crimes perpetrated against minors have used social media and cyberbullying in some way. As young people's engagement on the Internet increases, so does their exposure to various threats, including exposure to inappropriate content, harassment, and identity theft.
The Pew Research Center notes an alarming rise in the number of Internet users concerned about the amount of personal information online, alongside experiences of online harassment and information theft.
Online privacy, security, and control are evolving concerns as the distinction between permissible and impermissible activities online remains blurred. Laws like the Communications Decency Act were designed to mitigate some risks by penalizing the transmission of 'indecent material' to minors. Nonetheless, the Internet's accessibility makes it difficult to prevent exposure to harmful content completely.
Furthermore, cyberbullying's omnipresent nature creates a unique form of electronic aggression that is challenging to trace and can lead to serious health issues, illustrating the complexity of Internet risks for minors.
Hackers and criminals also exploit the Internet to engage in illegal activities, such as accessing illegal content or stealing personal data, showing the broad spectrum of potential internet risks that need to be addressed, especially when it concerns the safety of minors.