While on-line computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they hit the road exploring the information highway.
There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. Some of these individuals gradually seduce their targets through the use of attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts. These individuals are often willing to devote considerable amounts of time, money, and energy in this process. They listen to and empathize with the problems of children. They will be aware of the latest music, hobbies, and interests of children. These individuals attempt to gradually lower children's inhibitions by slowly introducing sexual context and content into their conversations.
What Are Signs That Your Child Might Be At Risk On-line?
■ Your child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night
■ You find pornography on your child's computer
■ Your child receives phone calls from men you don't know or is making calls, sometimes long distance, to numbers you don't recognize
■ Your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don't know
■ Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when you come into the room
■ Your child becomes withdrawn from the family
■ Your child is using an on-line account belonging to someone else Website Resources
■ A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety from the FBI
■ SafeKids: Internet Safety Information for the Whole Family
■ NetSmatrz interactive, educational safety resource
■ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
■ Protecting Our Children Against Internet Predators, CATTA, 2006 (PDF) |
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