Protecting the mental and physical health of the Internet generation

Ybarra, Michele. (2007, June). Girl Trouble in Cyberspace: Protecting the Mental and Physical Health of the Internet Generation. Presented at the Congress on Women’s Health, Hilton Head, SC.

Summary:

1. Girls are more likely than boys to be solicited online, but they are equally likely to be sexually harassed via TXT messaging.

2. 18% of girls report unwanted sexual solicitation online, 3% report frequent experiences.

3. Girls are significantly more likely than boys to report harassment online.

4. 38% of girls have been harassed online in the past year. 8% are harassed monthly or more often.

5. Targeted girls are significantly more likely to concurrently report:

- Problems at school; weapon carrying; detention and suspension; problems with caregiver; poor emotional closeness; poor monitoring; and substance use.

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