With millions of students and youngsters using the Internet each day, it is expected that at times they will come across illegal, inappropriate, or offensive online content, as well as uncomfortable, harassing, or even threatening circumstances.

With Facebook's decision to let advertisers exhibit ads based on the information that users place on their profiles, the argument over online privacy has once again obtained new momentum, particularly since today's teenagers are spending most of their time visiting and surfing social networking sites. The advertisers can now aim for underage consumers with ease, which obviously raises moral questions, but even if there is no clear and present danger, marketers must still be aware of the consequences in their attempt to get in touch with teens online.

Privacy advocates worry about marketers exploiting the personal data being posted by young consumers. Nowadays, the only law that controls online marketing to children is the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act or COPPA, which obliges parental consent before any commercial body can obtain personal information from a youngster under the age of 13.

Privacy advocates are also promoting a ‘Do Not Track List’. This provides consumers of every age the right to say no to any marketing efforts which would check their surfing habits; but again, there is no other special protection provided particularly for teens.

For marketers, teens represent a huge audience that corresponds to huge purchasing power and tremendous amounts of disposable income. This makes the surfing lifestyle of young people mark them as a perfect target group. If you have a teen in need of extra computer space, click here for ideas.