The Dangers of Online Predators

When you talk to your children about the risks they may encounter online, be sure you also discuss the dangers of online predators. Your kids need to know that these people are real, and dangerous. Keeping your children safe online, just as you do in the real world, means making sure they understand the risks and know how to take precautions.

Research shows that the anonymity of the Internet can lead children to trust the people they meet online and to share intimate details quickly. Predators take advantage of this trust to build online relationships with inexperienced young people. As a parent, you can help protect your kids by becoming aware of the risks to their personal safety and being involved in their Internet activities.

Predators make contact with kids through chat rooms, instant messaging, e-mail, or discussion boards. Many teenagers use peer-support online forums to discuss their problems, and predators often go to these forums to look for victims. Predators try to gradually seduce their targets with attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts, and often devote considerable time, money, and energy to this effort. They make a point of knowing the latest music and hobbies that are likely to interest kids. They are willing listeners and sympathize with kids' problems. They also try to ease young people's inhibitions by gradually introducing sexual content into their conversations, or by showing them sexually explicit material.

Some predators work faster than others, engaging in sexually explicit conversations right away. This more direct approach may include harassment or stalking. Predators may also evaluate the kids they meet online for future face-to-face contact.

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