Cox survey finds 90 percent of tweens online by age nine
Parents the "go to" when tweens contacted online by strangers

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PHOENIX – New research shows that tweens, ages 8-12, are spending two hours per day on the Internet and they are telling Mom, more than Dad when a stranger sends them a message. The findings are from the fourth annual survey Cox and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) conducted to help parents and guardians understand potential Internet dangers. The 2008 survey results, which are attached, reveal compelling trends that include:

• Ninety percent of tweens are online by age nine and three out of five tweens are online by age seven.
• Seventy-three percent of tweens report that Mom and Dad have talked to them "a lot" about Internet Safety.
• Ninety-six percent of tweens tell Mom and Dad about at least some of what they do online; however, only 69 percent of 11-12’s tell parents everything.

Cox’s research on teen Internet safety from the last four years along with online safety tools, tips and links to NCMEC and other sources are available at www.cox.com/TakeCharge, (2008 survey results will also be available on this site after July 23). Cox’s Take Charge program educates parents and guardians about the importance of Internet Safety and helps families get the most out of mass media in the home. From instructions on setting parental controls, to a guide about the lingo tweens use on line, to tips for more constructive conversations between parents and kids, Cox helps parents and guardians protect their children.

"We are energized to see that this research tells us that kids are listening to the advice of their parents, and are going directly to them to discuss what is online. We hope that the tools and information provided on the Cox TakeCharge site has been useful to parents around the country," said Ivan Johnson, Vice President of Community Relations and TeleVideo-Cox Arizona.

Other findings from the survey show:

• 71 percent of 11-12’s has personal e-mail vs. 42 percent of 8-10’s.
• 41 percent of 11-12’s have an Instant Message screen name vs. 15 percent of 8-10’s.
• 34 percent of 11-12’s have a profile on a social networking site.
• The most common tween online activities are video games, school research, e-mail and surfing for information about hobbies/interests.

Cox, children’s advocate John Walsh-host of "America’s Most Wanted" and Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007 will discuss the research and implications via Web cast 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. EDT July 23. They will also answer questions about Internet safety and discuss the teen survey in greater detail.

Note to media: Interviews with Cox past valley teen summit representatives and their parents are available.