Internet Prevention Messages

Abstract

Background Internet safety programs urge youth to avoid sharing personal information and talking with “strangers” online. Objective To examine whether sharing personal information and talking with strangers online or other behaviors are associated with the greatest odds for online interpersonal victimization. Design The Second Youth Internet Safety Survey was a cross-sectional random digit–dial telephone survey. Setting United States. Participants A total of 1500 youth aged 10 to 17 years who had used the Internet at least once a month for the previous 6 months. Main Exposure Online behavior, including disclosure of personal information, aggressive behavior, talking with people met online, sexual behavior, and downloading images using file-sharing programs. Outcome Measure Online interpersonal victimization (ie, unwanted sexual solicitation or harassment). Results Aggressive behavior in the form of making rude or nasty comments (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.3;P