The study of hazardous behaviour and concurrent factors shows the concurrence of a number of variables leading to the adoption of a cognisant and safe standpoint regarding online and offline computer activities, and a widespread reticence in the subjects studied, 750 boys and girls aged between 8 and 16, in notifying someone (friends, teachers or family members) of unusual, disturbing or unwelcome experiences that they have had on the web. The awareness of the risks associated with the Internet would appear to have a substantial effect on web behaviour, but the joint presence of some influential factors (information, existence of rules, frequency of use and positioning of the PC) makes a particularly significant impact on the expression of behavioural forms that are cautious and safe to varying extents.
Keywords: Internet, abuse, infancy, family, prevention.