Oz kids more savvy about cyber safety, says study

Melbourne, Jul 9 (ANI): A new study has revealed that even though Aussie kids are becoming more conscious of the danger lurking on the Internet, their parents are still worried about what they are doing online.

The research carried out by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) reveals that many children as young as eight view the Internet as an extremely important part of their lives and go online regularly.

The ACMA survey from June to November last year reveals that younger kids are more likely to want to play games online while the overwhelming majority of teens use social networking sites.

It showed kids appeared to be aware of online risks with 75 per cent saying they knew not to give out their address or phone number online and were aware of the potential for online impostors.

"Nevertheless, despite the high level of awareness . . . some young people were prepared to engage in these high risk behaviours," News.com.au quoted the report as saying.

More than half of 12 to 17 year olds said that they had received "friend requests" from strangers online, and almost two thirds of 16 to 17 year olds said that they accepted the approach.

Almost one in five 16 to 17 year olds had experienced cyber bullying, compared with 16 per cent of those aged 12 to 13, and most said they told their parents. (ANI)