Direct Protective Factors
	Indirect Protective Factors: Positive Identity Formation
	How do parents know when there is cause for concern?
	Consider the following 3 risk factors:
	What behaviours should I look for?
	What Now?
	Steps parents can take

Consider the following 3 risk factors:

Meeting needs

The Internet enables youth and others to paint unique pictures of themselves. They do not necessarily want to paint an accurate one.

Access to explicit sexual information

The Internet provides access to unlimited amounts of information. Youth are seeking information about sexuality and the Internet provides boundless access to sexually explicit information. Unfortunately, adolescents do not have a mature reference base to verify the accuracy of what they come across. Many adolescents accept inaccurate representations of human sexuality without critically considering the violent nature of the images, the lack of intimacy or respect portrayed, nor the health risks such as STD's.

Affordability

Many online programs and their options are free. There are minimal financial obstacles online for adolescents.