Probably
the most disturbing aspect of the Internet is its potential to be used
by child predators. While their does need to be care taken in protecting
younger children on the internet, the risk is more significant for kids
who are little older and can use the computer on their own. There has been
an increasing awareness about this problem, but I’m not sure many
parents realize how well suited the Internet and the computer are for predators.
In a way, child predators are marketing themselves to children, and the
steps they take are not dissimilar to an online marketing program. The
first they go where kids are. They know what sites kids frequent, and what
sites give them the best opportunities. Second, they make contact and look
for a response. They don’t need all kids to respond just one. So
it is likely that the one person will make numerous attempts to contact
children, essentially waiting for one to take the bait. Next they sell
themselves by pretending to be someone else. This is probably one of the
most dangerous aspects of the Internet. A good liar, or even an adequate
liar, can pretend to be just about anyone online. This problem is compounded
by the virtually non-existent risk of getting caught. From that point on
it is a matter of their ability to suck kids in and exploit them. Predators
are essentially playing the numbers with little risk of consequences.
The second part of the danger
is how kids and parents interact with the Internet. It is important that
parents don’t take on the, ‘not
my kid’ attitude. Good kids can be taken advantage of. Also, don’t
think because you’ve put child protection software on your computer
that a child is completely protected. Software can be helpful, but many
kids can get it around it. Understanding how easy it is for a kid to
make a mistake while online is also important. Even though kids may have
been told about the dangers of giving out personal information it probably
doesn’t seem like a big deal when they do it. They feel they are
just being friendly and responding to a question from someone who they
think is harmless, and they probably think no one else will
ever know. The Internet just doesn’t feel risky. It’s commonly
used at home, maybe in a bedroom where they likely feel safe, and the
potential dangers are theoretical and not imminent. Remember that making
a mistake is easier when the person they are talking to knows exactly
what to say and how to say it. It is important to be aware of what your
kids do and what sites they visit online, and to be particularly aware
of chat rooms and community sites where they could be more vulnerable.
Below are some sites that deal with child protection issues.
Net Nanny
Commission on Online Child Protection
ProtectKids.com
Safe
Kids
Perverted Justice