• 80% of teens have had a conversation with their parents on how to stay safe online
• 77% know that what is posted online can't be deleted
• 54% have given their parents the passwords to their devices and sites.  

Even so, here is the bad news.  

• 59% engage online with strangers,
• 50% posted their email address,
• 30% posted their phone number,
• 14% posted their home address,
• 8% (one out of 12) meet online strangers in real life.

Surprise, surprise the study found that teens hide things even though 90% believe their parents trust them to do what is right online:  

• 53% close or minimize their web browsers when their parents walk into the room,
• 50% clear the history of their online activity,
• 45% would change their online behavior if they knew their parents were watching.

Why? What need is being met online that would lead teens to take risks and deceive their parents? It is the same one we all faced as a teenager: being loved and accepted.

McAfee's study found that 33% feel more accepted online than in real life.  

What can parents do about it?  

First, make sure you do the obvious things as I have mentioned before: Delay online privileges, use accountability software, use software filters, and keep computers/tablets/smart phone use in public places.  

Second, reduce the need for the risky behavior. Help your teen feel loved and accepted:  

• Get them involved with other teens,
• Show interest in their interests,
• Listen to them,
• Every day kiss them
• Every day say "I love you."