Technology & Internet Safety

The Internet is a huge information source and a valuable tool for adults and children, but because of its anonymous nature it creates opportunities for predators.

71% of teen ages 13-17 reported receiving messages online from someone they didn’t know.
40% reported that they usually reply and chat with that person
Only 18% tell an adult
30% of teens have considered meeting someone that they have chatted with
14% have actually had such an encounter

Predators: Usually begin in chat rooms, within 45 min they can usually find out where the child lives, goes to school, name, what activities they participate in.

Predators search for potential victims usually in chat rooms, but a child might catch the attention from a predator from information they provided on their blog or profile- on social networking sites like Myspace.

Predators look for clues about the child, what they like to do, type of music they listen to. How old they are. Much of this information is often revealed by the child’s user name.

Once the predator befriends the child they ask the child if they can include them on the child’s instant messenger or the child’s buddy list. This way they can tell each time the child is online.

Anonymity online allows predator to become a “friend”.

Over time the predator can develop a relationship with your child and build there trust. They will ask the child to keep their relationship a secret. At some point the predator will try to move the relationship to the next phase. The ultimate goal is to arrange a face to face meeting, frequently for a sexual encounter. The consequences can be deadly.

Signs that your child might be a victim:

Your child becomes withdrawn from family
Your child is spending more time online
Your child turns off the screen when you walk in the room
You find pornography
Your child receives mail/packages from senders you don’t know

If you think your child is engaging in dangerous activity:

Check the computers Internet history to see web-sites that were recently viewed
Search your child’s name on Myspace-or search engines like Google or Yahoo, you might find a profile or web page that your child has posted or a page about your child posted by someone else.

If you suspect your child is being contacted by a cyber predator or has received a sexual solicitation online immediately contact.

The CyberTip Line 1-800-843-5678 or www.cybertipline.com (is part of Missing Exploited Children)

If you suspect a face to face meeting has been arranged contact your local law enforcement immediately.

What you can do as Parents to keep your kids safe ONLINE and from being a TARGET!

Talk to your children- let them know the dangers while being online.

Identity theft
Exposure to sexually explicit or violent material
Sexual Predators
Make it safe for them to come to you with concerns about people they’ve met online; when something inappropriate pops up or if someone else sends them inappropriate stuff; and or if someone harasses or threatens them online.
Let them know that on the internet people can pretend to be anyone.
Make sure you have all of their user names and passwords
Let them know not to give out any personal information
Establish rules with your child about being online
Let them know what type of behavior you find unacceptable
Teach your children to NEVER give out personal information out online. NEVER! (45% of teens have been asked for personal information by someone they didn’t know while being online.)
Keep computers in a common area in your home. Don’t let them have computers in their rooms or behind closed doors.
User profiles-New versions of Windows/Apples software allows for multiple user profiles to set up. Every person who uses the computer can have their own user name and password. To log on name and password are required, this way you can set up different levels of access for each of the different users, and it makes it easier to track and find out what each of the users are doing.( To get more information consult your computers help files)
Web browsers Controls- They can filter and block inappropriate web-sites from being accessed. Web browsers settings can be used in conjunction with user profiles to fine tune the level of access.
Software- There are many software programs available to purchase that can make the Internet safer for your children.

They can;

Block chatting rooms/ or instant messaging
Block downloads
Allowing only approved addresses to email your child
Filter web-sites
Record instant messages or chat room conversations
Notify you when your child tries to access inappropriate sites
They operate without your child knowing
Records and sends you pictures of your child’s computer screen as they are using it.

The best thing you can do as a Parent is to be aware of all of these dangers and to educate yourself and children.

Please click here or on the image to the left to download the Technology & Internet Safety brochure.