Internet predators

Internet predators

One in four US teen girls reported that they met strangers off the Internet. One in seven boys admitted they did as well. While most of these “Internet friends” turn out to be another teen or preteen, that’s not always the case. Unfortunately, children are now dying at the hands of their Internet child molesters and, not all sexual exploitation of children occurs offline.

Predator Tip Sheet

Eluding Internet Predators

One in five children who use computer chat rooms has been approached over the Internet by a pedophile.

Only one in four youth who received a sexual solicitation reported the incident to an adult.

i-SAFE Inc. has created this list of tips and reminders that can be used to help recognize these potentially hazardous

situations and to respond appropriately.

• Keep user names and profiles generic and anonymous.

Discuss your child’s online screen name, profile, and activities. Many provide too much personal information.

Ensure all screen names and profiles are nonspecific.

• Avoid posting personal photos online.

Pictures can be altered to embarrass or humiliate. They also provide personal information that can help an Internet

predator act familiar by pretending to know you, your children, and/or their friends.

• Always keep private information private.

With just three pieces of personal information, specialized Internet search engines can be used to locate someone

anywhere. Internet conversations should never include any personal information.

• Place the family computer in an open area.

A responsible adult should always accompany minors while they access the Internet to provide support and direc-

tion should they be confronted with an aggressive solicitation or inappropriate materials.

• Remind children that online “friends” are still strangers.

Predators trick their victims into believing that they have similar interests and groom children to desire a more

intimate relationship. The reality is that online friends are still strangers, and your child can never be sure that the

person is who he or she says.

• Respect children’s privacy.

Respect your child’s privacy, but make certain he or she knows everyone on his or her e-mail or instant messenger

“Buddy” list. Work to generate parent and child trust that supports open and honest Internet use.

• Become a part of your child’s online experience.

It can be a fun journey to explore the wonders of the Internet as a family. As computer-savvy as kids and teens are

today, they will certainly teach you a thing or two!

• Be aware of phone calls or mail deliveries from unfamiliar persons.

Predators often call or send gifts to their potential victims in their process of grooming.

• Learn about the Internet.

The more you know about how the Internet works, the better prepared you are to teach your children about how

online predators operate and what you can do together to identify and elude them.

• Get involved with i-SAFE Inc.

Raise Internet safety awareness by joining, creating, or supporting an i-PARENT Board in your school or commu-

nity, and informing other parents what they can do to keep their families safe online.