Abstract
The purpose of this study was to discuss the role of mothers in children's privacy protection on the Internet. Specifically, the study explored 1)children's privacy protection efforts on the Internet, 2)types of personal information children provided at Web sites, and 3)the effect of mothers' privacy protection efforts on their children's privacy protection levels. The Internet survey was conducted and total of 153 mothers and their children aged 12-13 were included for statistical analysis. The descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares were used. The results yield that children showed relatively high levels in providing personal information on the Internet, while they have no sufficient competency at privacy protection. The effect of mothers' privacy protection efforts on children's privacy protection was partially supported. The longer hours of Internet use and frequent participation in online events increased the potential consequences of children's privacy invasion. Providing privacy standards for online service providers and marketers targeting children could help protect children's privacy. Moreover, education program targeting parents and children could contribute them reduce potential consequences of children's privacy invasion.
