The Internet provides us with anonymity - we could easily pretend to be anyone.
That's what online predators rely on to hide behind and gain access to kids.
According to a study done by iSAFE, 20% of kids in grades nine through twelve and 19% of kids in grades five through eight have met face to face with someone they first met online.
Online predators are constantly evaluating their targets to see if they will be easy victims.
The online predator will shower a child with attention and understanding, support their emotions, send gifts and be their friend.
They will cleverly manipulate their vulnerabilities - whether it's a child who is frequently left unsupervised, has low self-esteem or is desperate to belong.
What are your child's vulnerabilities? Some of the signs that your child could be a target for an online predator are: * Spending all their time online, even losing sleep * Closing down the screen or quickly shutting off the computer if you walk into the room * Being vague about online activities, or using net lingo so you can't understand what they're saying * Storing pornography on their computer * Using someone's account, other than their own, to gain Internet access * Receiving packages or letters from someone you don't know * Making long-distance phone calls to numbers you don't recognize Make sure you always discuss Internet safety rules with your kids, and keep the lines of communication open.
Put the computer in a common place, such as the family room, where you can keep an eye on your kids.
See Samantha Wilson's blog post on Pedophiles.
That's what online predators rely on to hide behind and gain access to kids.
According to a study done by iSAFE, 20% of kids in grades nine through twelve and 19% of kids in grades five through eight have met face to face with someone they first met online.
Online predators are constantly evaluating their targets to see if they will be easy victims.
The online predator will shower a child with attention and understanding, support their emotions, send gifts and be their friend.
They will cleverly manipulate their vulnerabilities - whether it's a child who is frequently left unsupervised, has low self-esteem or is desperate to belong.
What are your child's vulnerabilities? Some of the signs that your child could be a target for an online predator are: * Spending all their time online, even losing sleep * Closing down the screen or quickly shutting off the computer if you walk into the room * Being vague about online activities, or using net lingo so you can't understand what they're saying * Storing pornography on their computer * Using someone's account, other than their own, to gain Internet access * Receiving packages or letters from someone you don't know * Making long-distance phone calls to numbers you don't recognize Make sure you always discuss Internet safety rules with your kids, and keep the lines of communication open.
Put the computer in a common place, such as the family room, where you can keep an eye on your kids.
See Samantha Wilson's blog post on Pedophiles.
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