Kids Speak Out About Web Privacy

Selling to Kids, Oct 13, 1999

Most wired kids think privacy rules for online use make sense, according to a survey of 16,528 kids 8 -17. Ninety-five percent of them said rules are needed and 58% say parents should have to give permission for the online release of names and street addresses. But don't mess with their chats. Eighty-five percent says parents shouldn't be involved in kids' freedom to participate in chat rooms.

How should permissions work? Respondents suggested three ideas: Have the government issue an Internet driver's license, say 12%; or have parents send a permission email (10%) or call a toll-free number (9%).

(SmartGirl Internette: Luis Castro, 212/367-0805)