Young internet users in Ireland are increasingly exposed to risks because of their tendency to disclose personal information online, a new study says.
The EU Kids Online survey, which has been published to mark Safer Internet Day, indicates that the number of Irish youngsters giving out their names or e-mail addresses rose from 28 per cent in 2006 to 79 per cent in 2007.
Last year, 49 per cent of young Irish internet users disclosed their date of birth to others, while 12 per cent disclosed their mobile phone number and 8 per cent their home address.
Ireland, the Czech Republic and Poland had the highest figures for disclosure of personal information online across 21 countries in Europe, according to the study.
The rise in disclosure of personal information is attributed to the popularity of social networking websites such as Bebo, Myspace and Facebook.
"Although children and young people are delighted with the opportunities open to them on the internet, many of them are giving out personal information without realising who might see it," said Prof Sonia Livingstone, director of EU Kids Online.
"As a result, our research has found substantial amounts of bullying, harassment and unwanted sexual messages, which is very distressing for some," she added.
A new initiative aimed at promoting safer and more effective use of social networking sites by children as part of the Social Personal Health Education curriculum was unveiled by Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin last week.
