More Parents Use Filters to Control Teen Web Use

Parents and teenagers agree teens aren't careful enough online.

Use of Internet filters to protect teenager Web surfers has expanded substantially over the last four years, according to a study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

Approximately 54 percent of Internet households with teenagers now use filters, compared to 41 percent in December 2000. Given the current online population, this means the number of teens whose Internet use is screened by filters has increased from 7 million to 12 million in the last four years.

Demographics_of_Content_Filter_Users
Click on graphic to view chart

The study was based on a survey of 1,100 parents of 12 to 17 year olds, and an equal number of their children from October 26 to November 28, 2004.

In addition to filters, parents are also trying other techniques to control and monitor their teenagers’ Web use. Pew found 73 percent of online teens say their household computer is located in a “public” place in the home. About 64 percent of parents say they set rules for their children’s time online.

“It’s interesting when you look at non-technological monitoring techniques. All of those have remained stable in the last few years,” said Amanda Lenhart, a Pew research specialist. “That’s because parents don’t have any more time in 2005 than in 2000. But filtering serves as a safety net that can be there to protect teens.”

Demographics_of_Parents_and_Families_with_Home_Internet_use_Rules
Click on graphic to view chart

“It’s important to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect filter,” Lenhart said. “Filters under-block and over-block, and there is no substitute for non-technical means, like talking with your kids about the basics of media literacy.”

Pew also found parents and teens share similar views about the carelessness of teen behavior online. Approximately 81 percent of parents say their teenagers aren’t careful enough online when giving out information about themselves. For their part, 79 percent of teens agree they aren’t careful enough when sharing such information.

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Whitepapers

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

Whitepaper | Mobile US Mobile Streaming Behavior

5y

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

Streaming has become a staple of US media-viewing habits. Streaming video, however, still comes with a variety of pesky frustrations that viewers are ...

View resource
Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups

Whitepaper | Analyzing Customer Data Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups

5y

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics f...

Data is the lifeblood of so many companies today. You need more of it, all of which at higher quality, and all the meanwhile being compliant with data...

View resource
Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its people

Whitepaper | Digital Marketing Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its people

2y

Learning to win the talent war: how digital market...

This report documents the findings of a Fireside chat held by ClickZ in the first quarter of 2022. It provides expert insight on how companies can ret...

View resource
Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

Report | Digital Transformation Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

4w

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Exp...

Customers decide fast, influenced by only 2.5 touchpoints – globally! Make sure your brand shines in those critical moments. Read More...

View resource