Most kids are online today and are more technically savvy then most adults. However, there is still cause for concern for kids using the internet. According to a recent article I read on the Media Awareness Network website, called Information Privacy and Children, 40 % of kids online will reveal personal information to someone that they only know online. This raises a red flag. While there are many sites out there for kids, it is getting more difficult to discern advertisements from webpage content. Most kids will also register for products, complete surveys, and instant message, opening a doorway to their personal information. The article also gives some great statistics like:
· “Youth control $24.4 billion in spending and influence another $300 billion in parental spending.”
· “80% of young people are alone when they use the internet and most parents don’t know what that their kids are on-line.”
Source: http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/privacy/children_and_privacy.cfm
These stats are very attractive to marketers as marketing to kids and teens can be very profitable. Companies can now collect, store and manage customer information, even if that customer is a young child. While there are guidelines out there, such as Canadian Marketing Association’s Code of Ethics, they appear to be optional.
I guess, this is still a big gray area. Parents and caregivers will have to diligent and have open communication with their children; in order to ensure that their children have a safe online experience.
Check out the full article using the source link. There are more interesting stats and information.
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