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most online sex offenders are adults who target teens and seduce victims into sexual relationships. They take time to develop the trust and confidence of victims, so that the youth see these relationships as romances or sexual adventures. The youth most vulnerable to online sex offenders have histories of sexual or physical abuse, family problems, and tendencies to take risks both on- and offline, the researchers say.

"Youth Safety on a Living Internet" report said that parents and teachers should "promote online citizenship and media-literacy education, and actively encourage the children's participation in the process..... Teaching children civil, respectful behavior online and offline is the key to fostering a safe Internet environment," the group stated in its report,

Just as kids used to hang out in parks, bowling alleys, and malls, they are now hanging out online. Instead of talking, they're often texting or interacting via their social-networking profiles. While these activities can be time-wasting, they can also be productive, helping kids define their identities, reinforce offline social relationships and express themselves in a variety of ways.