While the Internet provides incredible
benefits and opportunities for kids, the Internet
poses new threats to child safety as well. Many crimes
that exist in the real world also happen on the web
including stalking, sexual harassment and predation.
Does this mean that kids shouldn't use the Internet?
Of course not. It does mean that parents and kids
should discuss ways to protect themselves from online
crimes and harassment.
What is cyberstalking and online predation?
Cyberstalking is just what it sounds like -
use of the Internet, e-mail, or other electronic
communications devices to stalk or harass another
person, sexually or otherwise. Predators may also
use online communication to build sexually inappropriate
relationships with children. To be legally considered
stalking, most laws require that the perpetrator:
make a threat of violence against the victim
include threats against the victim's immediate
family
Some laws require only that the alleged stalker's
behavior constitute an implied threat.
While some annoying or menacing online behavior
may not legally constitute stalking, it should
be treated very seriously, as it may escalate
into a more serious situation.
Young people at risk
Kids are especially vulnerable to online
predators. For starters, kids in the media
generation tend to place a lot of trust
in people they meet online. The idea that
some of their online "friends"
may not be looking out for their best interest
comes as a surprise to a lot of kids whose
online social life is just as important
as their "real" one. In addition,
kids are more likely to use the online features
that put them at the most risk, like Instant
Messaging, emailing and chatrooms. Predators
take advantage of trust and the anonymous
nature of the Internet to build online relationships
with youth.
Young people (8-18) spend an average
of 1 hour on the computer every day for
"recreation" including Instant
messaging, email, and chat.
(Kaiser,
2005)
89% of sexual solicitations are
made in chatrooms
or Instant
Messages.
1 in 5 youth (10-17) have been
sexually solicited
online.
(Crimes
against children research center, 2001)
Teenagers are
especially vulnerable because they:
Are sexually curious
Are trying to form their own identity separate
from their parents - this may include creating
new online identities
Are more quick to trust and reveal personal
information to online "friends"
Tend to push the limits
Underestimate risks and consequences
Are looking for social acceptance and emotional
support from peers
Taking advantage of anonymity and trust
With
the explosion of the Internet into an accessible
form of communication for people worldwide, the
danger to children has increased. Predators have
access to an unprecedented amount of personal
information with the growing popularity of online
social sites like Facebook and MySpace.
Online predators may try to seduce young people
into online relationships using gifts, complimentary
language, affection and understanding. Some online
predators try to ease kids' inhibitions slowly
by simply being "online friends" for
a while before introducing sexual conversation
or images. Others jump right into sexually explicit
or harassing conversations.
While the perils of the Internet
pose serious risks for kids, it is also a great
resource - as long as we can help kids understand
how to use it responsibly. We believe in the power of
parents.
Click here
for the tips and tools you need to keep your
kids safe online.
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With
the explosion of the Internet into an accessible
form of communication for people worldwide, the
danger to children has increased. Predators have
access to an unprecedented amount of personal
information with the growing popularity of online
social sites like Facebook and MySpace.
