Inappropriate Internet Sites: Citizens' Attitudes about Their Computer Skills and the Need for Training

As part of a larger public relations and community service by a collaborative effort of the Midland, Texas Police Department and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, this study examined the opinions of 425 citizens regarding their computer expertise in determining if inappropriate internet sites were being viewed by their children, and the need for training in this regard provided by the police department and the university. The findings supported the hypotheses that state that compared to parents who have no child using the internet, parents with internet-using children at home are more likely to discuss the dangers of the internet with their children, monitor their internet use, and have computer skills to check for the websites and chat rooms their children are in. Also, non-whites are found to be more likely than whites to want to attend internet training if provided. The study's findings are discussed and cautions for police agencies are included.