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The Internet is a wide open world. Today with Wi-Fi and smart phones, it is accessible from just about everywhere. While the Internet contains many forms of information and entertainment, a darker side exists.
This dark side unfortunately puts children and adolescents at risk.
Children and adolescents are curious and the Internet gives
them the freedom to explore their curiosity. This curiosity could and most
likely leads to them contacting other people. Chat rooms, Instant Messaging,
and Message Boards give our children the opportunity to participate in a
community of sorts, an on-line community. A problem that may arise is that, not
everyone on-line is actually who they say they are. Children and adolescents
must watch out for computer-sex offenders.
Children may not initially recognize the dangers of
contacting others online. They may be attracted to the potential offender
because they are closer in age, or feel that the person they are talking to
doesn’t fit the profile of a sex offender. But, they must be instructed by
their parents that it is not something they should do.
Signs that your child may be at risk on-line:
- Your child spends a large amount of time on-line (especially at night, when there is greater risk).
- You find pornography on your child’s computer.
- Your child receives phone calls from unknown adults.
- Your child receives items or packages from unknown senders through the U.S. mail.
- Your child quickly turns off their computer monitor when you enter the room.
- Your child becomes withdrawn from your family.
- Your child is using someone else’s on-line account.
What should you do if you suspect your child is
communicating with a sexual predator online?
- Talk openly with your child and explain the dangers of computer-sex offenders.
- Review what is actually on your child’s computer (browser history, downloads, etc.)
- Use Caller ID and block suspicious phone numbers.
- Monitor your child’s access to live electronic communications such as; Chat Rooms, Instant Messages, Internet Relay Chat, etc.
What can be done to minimize the chances of an on-line
exploiter victimizing your child?
- Communicate the potential of online danger and sexual victimization to your child.
- Go on-line with your child and learn their favorite websites.
- Keep the computer in a common room, not their bedroom.
- Use parent controls. There is software that can both block access to certain sites and monitor what sites your child visits when you are not there.
- Always know your child’s accounts and passwords. Check their e-mail from time to time.
- Teach your child responsibly of on-line use.
- Research what security and safeguards are used in school, the library, the homes of your child’s friends, as well as anywhere else your child may visit that has Internet access.
Instruction tips to give your children:
- Never physically meet someone they met on-line.
- Do not upload or post photographs of them.
- Never give out their name, address, school, or phone number.
- Never download pictures from an unknown source.
- Never post responses on suggestive or obscene message boards.
- Make them aware that not everything they read on-line is true.
Always remember that your child is not at fault and is the
victim if a situation arises. More detailed information, including; FAQs and
common Internet definitions can be accesses HERE,
on the FBI – Parent Guide to Internet Safety.
