A new survey of children’s Internet habits reveals an alarming gap between what parents say they are teaching their children about Internet safety and the reality of what they are doing to ensure their kids are practicing these measures.

While the vast majority of youth (81.3%) say their parents have spoken with them about being safe online, they report few of their parents actually monitor or participate in their online activity. The survey was conducted nationally in August 2007 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).

In summary, the survey found that while young people report their parents have spoken to them about Internet safety, most say their parents don’t surf the Internet with them, don’t ask who they are talking to online, and don’t restrict access to dangerous websites.

The technology explosion has ushered in “Generation I,” the first generation to grow up with the Internet as an integral part of their everyday routine. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 87 percent of youth ages 12-17 now use the Internet. In many ways, Gen I youth are light years beyond the technological abilities of their parents, presenting a challenge for their parents to keep up with them.

But new technology breeds new threats, making it more important for parents to closely monitor their kids’ online activity. While Gen I youth are privy to a new set of educational tools, they are also exposed to a host of online predators and schemes.

The new BGCA survey revealed some startling statistics:

· Surfing the Net: Over half (52.8%) of kids say that their parents have never surfed the Internet with them. Just 12.2 percent of parents surf the Internet with their children monthly.

· Online Contacts: More than half (53.4%) of the youth surveyed say their parents never so much as inquire who they speak to online. Despite the conversations that parents may have had with children, one-third continue to be allowed access to any Website they so choose – unrestricted by rules or controlled settings.

· Restricting Websites: Two-thirds of children claim that a parent has restricted their online access to certain sites, but a mere 18.1 percent say their parents are always in the room while they are on the Internet.

· Posting Personal Info: In spite of many warnings and incidents, one-fifth of all children still post personal information on social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace) or video-sharing sites (e.g., YouTube).

“There is an inconsistency between how parents intend to protect their children online and the reality of how they are doing that,” says Dan Rauzi, senior director of Technology Programs, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Rauzi adds, “Often parents’ hectic schedules do not allow them adequate time to monitor their children’s online activities. Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to teaching young people how to safely and effectively use technology through Club Tech which includes our NetSmartz Internet safety program.”

In 2001, the Pew Project found that 94 percent of teens with Internet access use the Web for school research and 78 percent believe it helps them with schoolwork. To ensure Club members are capable of harnessing the full potential of the World Wide Web, BGCA and its partners Microsoft and Best Buy Children’s Foundation provide a full array of technology education through its Club Tech program. As a result, some 4.8 million youth, served through community outreach and membership, have the opportunity to learn essential digital literacy skills that will help prepare them for today’s job market.

The U.S. Department of Labor indicates that three of the top 10 fastest-growing industries are technology-related.

Not only does BGCA equip youth with basic and advanced computer skills, it also offers interactive Internet safety training through its collaboration with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Netsmartz.org provides a wide range of activities and hands-on tools for youth aged 5 to 17, parents, educators and law enforcement.

“In most of our Clubs, members are required to complete the NetSmartz training before they can log on to computers,” said Rauzi. “We believe this interactive component of our technology programs is a great way to prepare youth for their Internet journey and keep them safe online.”