Abstract 4

This article deals with research into children and social networking sites that are intended for older users. Research had been found that amongst children who have internet access more than a quarter of eight to 11 year olds claimed to have a profile page on a social networking sites. Despite normal age restrictions aimed at preventing pre-teens from using such sites.
These findings caused concern as parents who are letting their children have access to these sites should recognise that their children are at risk.
Rupert Murdoch who is the owner of myspace says its users should be at least 14 to register, while facebook and bebo claim an age limit of 13.
One study that was also carried out showed that 65% of parents said that they set rules for the way their children used social networing sites. Whilst a further 43% said that their parents placed no limit on what they could use sites for.
From these findngs what is clearly seen is the use of the internet by children is something of a hot political topic. Causing action to be taken into increasing safety for children online.