Harris Interactive has published results from their recent survey of a representative sampling of US teens between ages 13 & 18. Key objectives of this study were: 1) to examine teen’s online and cell phone behavior, 2) to understand the relationship between teens and their parents regarding controls for internet usage, and 3) to uncover why teens go online using cell phones.

Here are some key findings.

• 59% say having photos or personal information listed on a public site is unsafe but 62% of teens report still posting photos and information on social networking sites.
• More than one-third of those surveyed have been either the victim or perpetrator of cyberbullying, and 68% think it is a serious problem. About 81% think online bullying is easier to get away with and hide from parents as bullying in person. Fifty-eight percent of online bullies report getting back at someone or “because they deserved it” as a reason for their actions. Only 28% of cyberbullies report getting caught.
• Nineteen percent of teens surveyed have engaged in sexting. Of those, sixty percent say they sent nude or nearly nude photos to a boyfriend or girlfriend, but 11% say they have sexted people they do not know. Eighty-one percent of teen sexters are under 18 and 90% report that nothing negative happened as a result of sexting, such as sending the message to the wrong person or getting into trouble. Only 14% of sexters report getting caught. However, 74% of teens surveyed believe sexting is wrong.
• Seventy-six percent are at least somewhat concerned that personal information which is posted publicly could have a negative impact on their future.
• Forty-two percent of teens report their parents know little or nothing about their online activities and 44% report having no limits or restrictions set by their parents on internet use.

Click below to download the entire study in PDF format.