The Internet has made it possible for people to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world. That is a scary thought when it comes to thinking about child safety on the Internet. On a daily basis, kids are on line communicating on chat rooms without adult supervision not really knowing the person on the end is who they claim to be.
In the real world, we tell kids not to talk to strangers; the same idea needs be enforced when it comes to using the Internet if not more so… The numbers of predators and the anonymity they are able to obtain make the matter just that much more dangerous.
Some of the difficulties parents are facing deals with education and technology. When it comes to technology, kids are usually ahead of their parents in the computing knowledge. Many of their activities such as chatting and online video conferences are easily hidden from the parents. Then you have the parents that do apply some form of security or privacy controls such as content filters for protection to only have them bypassed the kids.
It is a well-known fact that kids talk about way to bypass the controls put in place to protect them.
Of the most victimized group of Internet
Teenage girls are most often victimization of all the groups. Some of the techniques used by an online predators are to:
1. Use seduction techniques
2. Try to win their confidence
3. Go after problem kids
4. Go after kids with low self-esteem
5. Go after kid with very little friends
The Internet predator will play with their emotions so the child will think this person understands them and be more open to further a relationship.
To report any suspicious activities, one of the best resources I can recommend is:
“The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children” at www.missingkids.com.
They have law enforcement, state and federal agencies that can assist with these matters.
Some tips that should help in protecting our kids:
1. Tell them to never give any personal information of any kind, make a list of questions that should not divulge.
2. Educate yourself and monitor what your kids are doing.
3. Pay attention to their Internet usage, if they are spending more time on the Internet than eating, playing or talking to friends, then something may be going on.
