AFFIRMATIVE-CONSUMER/INTERNET-SIGNIFICANCE 353

TEEN GIRLS ARE SPECIFICALLY AT PRIVACY RISK

SITES FOR TEEN GIRLS ARE MERELY INFORMATION MINES TO EXPLOIT THEM

Dru Sefton; USA TODAY, March 14, 2000, SECTION: LIFE; Pg. 3D TITLE: Teen girls feel the Net effect Sites let them 'feel like somebody's listening,' but is privacy the price? // acs-VT2001

"The business model for a lot of these sites is to sell information," says Kathryn Montgomery of the Center for Media Education. "That's what they're really about, picking the brains of teens. They often pose as your friend . . . when in fact what they want to do is find out how to market to kids. It's exploitative, even if they do show that in fine print."

The non-profit center, based in Washington, was part of a coalition that fought for the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which takes effect April 21. Sites that target visitors under age 13 will have to obtain parental permission before collecting personal information.

12-15 YEAR OLD GIRLS HAVE NO OTHER OUTLETS, SO NTHEY FLOCK TO THE INTERNET

Dru Sefton; USA TODAY, March 14, 2000, SECTION: LIFE; Pg. 3D TITLE: Teen girls feel the Net effect Sites let them 'feel like somebody's listening,' but is privacy the price? // acs-VT2001

"Girls are into e-mailing and instant-messaging their friends after school and on weekends," says Kate Danaj, research director at TRU. "That age group is restricted -- they don't have cars -- so their social life up until now has been staying at home on the phone. The Internet gives them a broader social life."

TEEN GIRLS ARE EXTREMELY ACTIVE ON THE INTERNET

Dru Sefton; USA TODAY, March 14, 2000, SECTION: LIFE; Pg. 3D TITLE: Teen girls feel the Net effect Sites let them 'feel like somebody's listening,' but is privacy the price? // acs-VT2001

Girls, especially those 12 to 15 years old, are one of the fastest-growing groups on the Internet. In 1996, 54% were online; by 1999, that figure jumped to 87%, according to Teenage Research Unlimited (TRU) of Northbrook, Ill. About 55% have their own e-mail accounts. A small but growing number -- 10% -- have their own Web pages. That blossoming teen market is generating plenty of action in the online world: