Online Child / Teenager Protection

Online Child / Teenager Protection

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

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