The Youth Internet Safety Survey, conducted in 1999, asked Internet users ages 10–17 about their online experiences. One in 33 had received an aggressive sexual solicitation—someone who asked to meet them somewhere, called them on the telephone, or sent them regular mail, money, or gifts. One in four had experienced an unwanted exposure to sexually explicit pictures. One in 17 had been threatened or harassed online. Less than 10 percent of sexual solicitations and only 3 percent of unwanted exposure episodes were reported to authorities such as a law enforcement agency, an Internet service provider, or a hotline.

Conducted by the Crimes against Children Center at the University of New Hampshire, the survey was commissioned by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and supported by OJJDP. Study findings are documented in Online Victimization: A Report on the Nation's Youth.

Read "National Conference Focuses on Project Safe Childhood" in this issue of News @ a Glance to learn more about what the Federal Government is doing to combat computer-facilitated childhood sexual exploitation. Visit OJJDP's Statistical Briefing Book for comprehensive statistical information on juvenile victimization and other topics.