The low rate of parental oversight is worrisome, because Internet-related problems go far beyond younger children's personal safety. These proportions suggest that parents may allow too much freedom to older youth and too little skills development to younger children. These reports were somewhat more common in rural areas and among older children. The survey results suggest an interesting link between crime prevention and children's reports to parents about seeing weapons in school or community. Among those taking 4 or more measures to avoid crime, the number of children reporting weapons sightings was significantly higher than among those taking no precautions or only a few precautions.
Younger adults are more likely to ask than older adults, and women are more likely than men.
Failure to ask about storage practices may put children at risk.