Kids 'no more at risk online than offline'

Children surfing the web are at no greater risk than when they are offline, according to a new US report.

It says internet-related sexual exploitation of young people remains a concern, but research showed it usually involved adolescents who were well aware that they were engaging with a male adult with a view to sexual activity.

The biggest problem for young people, online or off, is bullying and harassment by their own age group, says the report based on a review of existing research, a report from a technical advisory group and submissions from social-networking sites.

Most of the research predates the rise of social networks, which needs further investigation, says the report from the Internet Safety Technical Task Force, a group of businesses, academics and non-profit groups.

The report says research shows that "the risks minors face online are complex and multifaceted and are in most cases not significantly more than those they face offline, and that as they get older minors themselves contribute to some of the problems."

It adds: "Unwanted exposure to pornography does occur online, but those most likely to be exposed are those seeking it out, such as older male minors."

The report say that the youngsters in most danger often "have difficulties in other parts of their lives. The psychosocial makeup of and family dynamics surrounding particular minors are better predictors of risk than the use of specific media or technologies."