Is MySpace Safe for Kids?

EFF: DeepLinks

Does the increased use of social networking sites by children lead to increased risk? Concern about online predators and pornography has led some politicians and law enforcement officials to call for unreasonable restrictions on public access to these sites.

But is the perception of increased risk accurate? How much of the public discussion of these trends is myth, and how much is fact? Two recent studies suggest that many fears are overblown.

The Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire recently released a study that found that unwanted online solicitations are down from 19% in 1999 to 13% today %u2014 a decline that is taking place despite the rising popularity of social networking sites.

Of the unwanted solicitations that were received, a significant number (43%) came from other minors, not from adults.