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According to data released by the White House's Office on National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), popular websites contain user-generated content that exposes youth to violence and substance abuse. The ONDCP recently completed a study of such sites, and has compiled data indicating that behaviors shown on these websites can be extreme, including drug and alcohol use, self-mutilation, severe violence, and anorexia and other eating disorders. In addition, "most parents are unaware of the nature and extent to which their children are exposed to or engaging in dangerous behaviors online."

A study conducted by Nielsen Online, on behalf of the ONDCP, during June 2008 tracked the online viewing habits of teens, including their exposure to drug-related content. The study found that approximately 5 percent of teens are viewing drug-related content and that one-third of those are under the age of 16.

ONCDP Director John Walters commented on the situation: "... research shows parents aren't worrying about drug, alcohol, and other dangerous content online and how it impacts their child's behavior. ... Teens, tweens, and even younger children, are barraged by risky material on the Internet. Parents need to get online and see for themselves what their child has access to. It's time for them to upgrade their parenting skills." (Source: www.prweb.com)

Labels: violence, influences, exposure

Posted By: Aspen Education Group