In the book I analyze the kids of things pedophiles
look for in spotting they prey online. I also noted how they typically
try to lure your children into trusting them.
There are a few things a parent should note:
- Pedophiles prey on the new, inexperienced
kids online. The more your children display cyber-smarts, the less
likely they will appeal to a predator online. Before your children
wander around online unattended, surf with them. If you're new online
too, find some helpful sites to get you up to speed fast.
- Pedophiles look for loners. Many parents
buy their children a computer because they don't have many real
life friends. These kids are easier prey, since it's less likely
they'll talk about the overtures to their friends, and they are
more susceptible to someone trying to befriend them. They're lonely,
and the pedophile poses as a much-needed friend.
- Pedophiles look for kids who are having
problems at home. They too are easier prey, since they are looking
for a sympathetic ear. The pedophile tries to win the child over
by further separating the child from their family, complaining about
"parents" generally.
There are a few tips that can help keep your child safe online.
- Keep the computer in a central family location,
not in the child's room. The computer shouldn't be an escape for
the child, but a family activity.
- Get to know your children's online friends.
You wouldn't let them spend lots of time with a new friend in the
neighborhood until you've met them and know about them, online friends
are no different.
- Screen e-mail with all younger children.
Many pedophiles attach child pornography to e-mails sent to children.
The child pornography is used to convince the child that other children
are performing sexual acts. Make sure you screen all attachments
or limit e-mail through parental control features or software.
- Help your children keep computing online
in balance. Too many children get compulsive about computing and
forget to play with real friends and never play outdoors in physical
activity. Help them find a healthy balance.
- If you can't be home with them when they're
online, use child protection software to help keep an eye on them.
Some software keeps them from sharing personal information with
others online, like their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
- Make sure they understand that they should
never meet anyone in real life that they met online without parents
in attendance, and that people online are often not honest about
who or what they are.
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