Risk factors for and impact of online sexual solicitation of youth

Context Health care professionals, educators, and others are increasingly c alled upon to advise parents and policymakers about risks posed to children by Internet use. However, little scientific information exists on the expe riences of children online. Objective To assess the risk factors surrounding online sexual solicitation s of youth and distress due to solicitation. Design, Setting, and Participants Telephone survey (August 1999-February 20 00) of a random sample of 1501 youth aged 10 through 17 years who were regu lar Internet users. Main Outcome Measurer Demographic and behavioral characteristics associated with solicitation risk and distress due to solicitation. Results Nineteen percent of youth who used the Internet regularly were the targets of unwanted sexual solicitation in the last year. Girls (P<.001), o lder teens (P=.005), troubled youth (P=.004), frequent Internet users (P=.0 1), chat room participants (P<.001), and those who communicated online with strangers (P<.001) were at greater risk. Twenty-five percent of the solici ted youth reported high levels of distress after solicitation incidents. Ri sk of distress was more common among the younger youth (P=.005), those who received aggressive solicitations (the solicitor attempted or made off line contact) (P=.001), and those who were solicited on a computer away from th eir home (P=.001). Conclusions Many young people who use the Internet encounter unwanted sexua l overtures. Health care professionals, educators, and parents should be pr epared to educate youth about how to respond to online sexual solicitations , including encouraging youth to disclose and report such encounters and to talk about them.