Most parents of teenagers are concerned about what their teenage children do online and how their behavior could be monitored by others. Some are taking steps to observe, discuss, and check up on their children’s digital footprints.

About eight-in-ten (81%) of parents of online teens say they are concerned about how much information advertisers can learn about their child’s online behavior, with some 46% being “very” concerned. Nearly three-quarters (72%) are concerned about how their child interacts online with people they do not know, with some 53% of parents being “very” concerned.

Many parents (69%) also worry about how their child’s online activity might affect their future academic or employment opportunities, and how their child manages his or her reputation online.

A notable number of parents, especially parents of younger teens, have taken steps to act on these concerns. About six-in-ten (59%) have talked with their child because they were concerned about something posted to their social networking site profile or account. Nearly four-in-ten (39%) have helped their child set up privacy settings for a social networking site. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.