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Warning Signs
It is important for parents to encourage open lines of communication
so children are not afraid to talk about inappropriate incidents or solicitations.
While parents cannot let fear of sexual solicitations keep their child out of the technology
age, they can certainly be aware of the following warning signs:
- Children should beware of personal questions about themselves, their body, who lives
with them, whether or not they have a boyfriend or girlfriend, etc. These are warning signs that the conversation is becoming
inappropriate, and the child should end the conversation immediately.
- If your child is spending more time than usual on the computer, find out why.
- If your child is spending less time on the computer than usual, it could be a sign
that something inappropriate or uncomfortable has happened. Question your child in an understanding and supportive manner.
- If you know your child has developed a friendship with someone they met online, it
is very important for parents to talk to their child and find out everything they can about that person and the particulars
of the friendship.
- Many children won't report an inappropriate incident because they are ashamed, embarrassed,
afraid, shocked or don't know what to do. They don't tell their friends for fear of looking foolish.
- Some children don't talk to their parents about inappropriate incidences or situations
for fear their access to the Internet will be restricted or fear of looking foolish.
- A child or teenager exposed to inappropriate sexual material, solicitation or contact
may suffer varying levels of distress following the episode. It is important that the child is encouraged to talk about the
incident to a parent, family member, teacher or counselor in order to reduce the risk of further trauma from the experience.
- Kids will be much less traumatized by an incident if their parents are supportive.
Under no circumstances should you ever blame your child if they come to you and report a sexual solicitation. Sexual perpetrators
are experts at manipulating their victims and it is their goal to gain your child's trust and support. It is not your child's
fault.
Reporting bad behavior online
In order to make the Internet a safer place, parents and children are encouraged to report incidents
of sexual encounters, propositions, discussions and materials. Parents should contact their local law enforcement agency,
Internet Service Provider and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline at http://www.cybertipline.com/.
In the real world we set certain rules on our children. Being online is no different.
The dangers are just as real..
Downloadable copies of tips,
rules, and kid contracts from the links below.
Tips from Cyber Smart:
Rules:
Contract:
Parents please
print and review the rules for staying safe online. Children should sign the contract acknowledging they understand these
rules..
Possible risks
Exposure to Inappropriate Material
A child may be exposed to inappropriate material that is sexual, hateful, or violent in nature, or encourages activities that
are dangerous or illegal. Children could seek out such material but may also come across it on the web via chat areas, E-mail,
or even instant messaging if they’re not looking for it.
Ø Physical Molestation
A child might provide information
or arrange an encounter that could risk his or her safety or the safety of other family members. In some cases child molesters
have used chat areas, E-mail, and instant messages to gain a child’s confidence and then arrange a face-to-face meeting.
Ø Harassment and Bullying
A child might encounter messages
via chat, E-mail, or their cellular telephones that are belligerent, demeaning, or harassing. “Bullies,” typically
other young people, often use the Internet to bother their victims.
Ø Viruses and Hackers
A child could
download a file containing a virus that could damage the computer or increase the risk of a “hacker” gaining remote
access to the computer; jeopardizing the family’s privacy; and, perhaps, jeopardizing the family’s safety.
Is your child at risk of becoming a victim? Find out.
Yahoo Safety Article.
Parents:
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