It is terrifying for parents to
think about predators coming into contact with their
kids online. At the same time, most parents realize
that using the Internet is an essential skill for
young people growing up in today’s world. That’s
why it is so important that we talk to our kids about
online risks, teach them how to protect themselves,
and know what to do if our kids are the target of
online predation.
Parent
Checklist - Protecting kids from Online
Predators
Yes
No
We keep our computer in a family
common space, making it easier for
me to keep track of my kids online
activities.
My kids understand that private
chatrooms shouldn't be entered without
an adult's permission and supervision.
My kids understand that private
information should NEVER be shared
without an adult's permission.
My kids know not to respond to emails
that make them feel uncomfortable.
Younger kids in our family share
a family email instead of having their
own.
We've checked into and use the filtering
or tracking software and parental
controls through my Internet provider.
Our kids know not to download anything
unless it is from a trustworthy source.
Our kids understand that everyone
they meet online are strangers and
that they are NEVER to meet someone
they've met online without an adult
along.
Our kids know to create a gender
ambiguous Screen Names that don't
contain any personally identifying
information.
If you answered
YES to all or most of these questions
you already are doing a lot to protect
your kids! Take a closer Look at
those you answered NO to and think
about some changes you might make
to further safeguard your kids.
Warning
signs and signals
Your child has telephone conversations
with people that you don’t know.
They may also act secretively about
these communications.
Your child is secretive about his/her
online activities including closing
or downsizing screens when you enter
the room.
Your child receives gifts or letters
from people that you don’t know.
You find alarming conversations
by using Tracking Software, or find
disturbing images downloaded on your
computer.
Your child spends a lot of time
online.
Your child complains of headaches,
stomachaches, or other stress-related
symptoms.
Your child suddenly starts acting
differently, is unexplainably grumpy
or reclusive, or starts acting out
in school for reasons unknown to you.
What
do I do if my child is the target of an online
predator?
First of all, it is important that your
child knows that this is not his/her fault.
The predator always bears full responsibility
for the situation. Young people may feel
extremely embarrassed, ashamed and scared
by the situation. It is the job of caring
adults to make sure that young people know
that you care, that it is not their fault,
and that you will do everything you can
to protect them.
Ask the right
questions.
Do I have
all the information I need?
Have I listened
thoroughly to my child?
Has my child
been threatened physically
or sexually?
How is my
child handling the situation
emotionally?
"You
sort of forget that you don't really
know who else is in the chatroom
with you. You think that they are
all your friends"
- 14 year old girl
Report the problem
Report inappropriate behavior to your
Internet Service Provider (ISP). Contact
local law
enforcement immediately If your child
-
Has received unsolicited pornographic
images
Has been sexually solicited
online
Has received child pornography
Has received threats of physical
violence to self or immediate
family
Save and print off all emails, chat
logs, photographs and messages to
share with police.
Take
online incidents seriously
There is a misperception that because
online predation and cyberstalking happens
online, without physical contact, that it
is less serious than these same crimes in
“real life.” This is not necessarily
true. Kids today have access to and use
the Internet more than any previous generation—they
play games on it, talk with friends over
it, look for guidance on it, and rely on
it for information. Online predators can
take advantage of the relative ease, accessibility
and anonymity of the Internet to build unhealthy
relationships with young people that were
not possible just a decade ago. Just like
we help people know how to avoid unsafe
situations in the real world, we need to
arm our kid with the information and tools
they need to be safe online too.
Join
the Network today for MediaWise
tools that make it easier to manage the
Internet in your home. Print off "MediaWise
Internet Respect Plans" and use
them with your family today!
The MediaWise
Network brings you special resources, opportunities
for action, and ways to connect with other
parents. A FREE online resource brought
to you by the National Institute on Media
and the Family, composed of people like
you.
