The Danger Lurking Behind the MouseGaming, socializing, news and research all harmless activities in an online environment. Yet daily encounters occur that are not suitable for the spectator in front of the screen. These types of websites feature innocent advertisements and even some tailored for a more mature audience. Although the Internet contains countless sources of information, it is also a trap for today's youth. Trapping them in a complex and cruel world without forgiveness. Solicitations and pornography abound and are easily obtained by people of all ages. This is a war that has been fought, is being fought, and will continue to plague the world we live in unabated. The safety of today's youth in the online environment is becoming an increasingly popular topic. With topics ranging from bullying to identity theft to sexual exploitation, it's no wonder that the issue of keeping young people safe online has become a mainstream issue. Over the years these issues have moved from a virtual realm where words and actions were once thought to die in the middle, to the real consequences of physical violence and suicide. Data suggests that as many as 57% of young people have encountered pornography in an online environment. 46% were given personal information when asked (Livingston, Magdalena, Regifying Internet at Home). While these numbers are high, they don't compare to how little parents/guardians know about what is really happening. Only 5% believe these things happened with the child (Livingston, Magdalena, Regifying Internet at Home). Pornography is an addictive evil. Many of the 57% who have dealt with pornography will later seek it out of curiosity and its addiction...... half of the newspaper ......ce, July 2009. Web. 04 March 2012. .FBI. "Parents' Guide to Internet Safety." FBI. U.S. Department of Justice, October 19, 2011. Web. March 04, 2012. .Hughes, Donna R. “A Guide for Parents, Guardians, and Educators.” Rules €˜N Tools for social networking sites. Protect children, 2001. Web. 05 March 2012. .Montaldo, Carlo. “Spying on your kids?” About.com Crime/Punishment. The New York Times, 2012. Web. 05 March 2012. .Olsen, Stephanie. "Parents Unsure About Kids' Safety Online - CNET News." CNET News. CBS Interactive, 10 August 2006. Web. 05 March. 2012..