The internet, together with modern technologies, is taking over virtually every aspect of everyday life for human beings.

Our kids are getting introduced to web platforms at tender ages and continue to explore their extensive benefits as they grow up. With the internet, they have been able to quickly go through their education systems, develop their communication and even spark up their leisure.

And while this is advantageous, the unfortunate thing is that the internet is not entirely safe. In recent times, it has gradually become more vulnerable to threats that specifically target teenagers.

With this in mind, one significant internet peril—although massively underestimated—is the deep web. Unfortunately, only a few parents and guardians are informed about it compared to their kids, particularly teenagers whose curiosity for going against norms leads to them trying various experimental projects.

This excerpt seeks to provide a broader understating of the problem at hand. Here, you will get to understand “the deep web mystery” and its implications for internet users below 18 years of age.

What is the Deep Web?

There are numerous definitions and phrases surrounding the mysterious non-visible internet, and if you are to understand how it could be dangerous, then it is crucial that you know what it means.

In one of the simplest definitions, the deep web represents every web page which is unidentifiable by standard search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, and the likes. To give you an idea of this concept, you can find a comprehensive, categorized list of deep web links here.

Another commonly-used term associated with the deep web is “the dark web,” which mostly represents sites with illegal content of criminal nature. The dark web, which exists within the deep web, is also the home of various trading platforms that allow users to buy and sell illegal items and services.

In summary, the term “deep” represents online content that is not identifiable using standard search engines. Many sites on the deep web are not nefarious or illegal in nature—in fact, many deep web platforms (outside of the dark web) are meant for legitimate purposes like peer-to-peer communication using various forums or even academic research using databases such as WWW Virtual Library.

But within the deep web is the dark web, which tends to be a comfortable venue for criminal activity. Though many of the sites on the deep web can be visited using standard web browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, they’re also accessible with the software tools inclusive of those used for the dark web.

The Danger in Complete Anonymity

To access the dark web, you need a special software program, namely the Tor Browser. The software allows you to remain anonymous online. Tor prevents a third party from being able to know your identity or online behaviors, including your location, the sites you visit and even the messages you send. And while this sounds remarkable, it is the reason why kids want to access the deep web.

Unknown to them is the looming danger that they’ll be exposed to malicious users on the other end looking to exploit unsuspecting visitors. This danger is particularly rampant on the dark web.

The aspect of anonymity attracts all forms of illegal and illegitimate activities including hacking, cyber-bullying, drug dealing, fraud, among others. In reality, it is impossible to quantify the degree and types of threats underage kids can get lured into when they’re browsing the dark web.

Illegal Access to Drugs

Imagine being able to go online, buy drugs (even illegal) and have them directly delivered to your doorstep. This is not some fancy joke, but a blatant reality on the deep web. Sites on the dark web in particular, such as the infamous Silk Road market, allow users to access and purchase all sorts of illegal drugs and have them delivered while maintaining their anonymity.

Minors with the ability to bypass the typical barriers to the deep web have unlimited access to a flurry of potential destructive and illegal drugs. And considering the number of scammers and malicious individuals also using the network, it is unimaginable what would happen if such cases went undetected.

Child Exploitative Content

Possibly the most unsettling thing about the deep web is the numerous cases of child abuse. Although the contraband and drug activities make up for most of the events within the dark web scene, it is horrifying to what extent the deep web also promotes despicable acts of child abuse.

And what’s even more worrying, one study found that more than 80 percent of the users accessing dark websites using Tor visited websites associated with the pedophilic content.

Summary: What’s the Prognosis?

As awareness of the deep and dark web continues to grow, its popularity is also following a similar trend. Unfortunately, this may subsequently push more kids to search for ways to access and explore it.

And while the deep web can also be beneficial for anyone looking for information that isn’t available on standard internet platforms, it should only be accessed by users who can completely discern their actions.

It is advised that parents and guardians take an active role in finding out what their kids are doing online and set boundaries on what they are accessing. Even so, there is a need to create awareness about the dark web and its impact—this serves a purpose to educate teenagers about its existence while also minimizing the mystery and anonymity behind it.