Cyber Predators
Cyber Predators are adults who use the anoymonity of the Internet to be whomever they want and exploit children or teens, usually for sexual purposes. They target both girls and boys, and use the "grooming process" to manipulate their victims.
Safety and Legal Issues
Online predators "groom" children and teens using a process. The predator first builds trust with by establishing common interests through chats on instant messages or emails, hoping that the victim will separate from their family and friends. Then predators promise to keep the relationship a secret, making the victim feel comfortable and trusting. The next common tactic is to expose victims to photos or materials that may make them feel uncomfortable. Kids and teens are naturally curious and feel lesser feelings of wrong doing as exposure is increased. Finally, the predator will threaten them and try to meet the victim face-to-face.
Tips for Students
- Be smart with information that is revealed online by keeping your personal information private.
- Block users or deny friend requests that come from strangers.
- If an online friend starts following the pattern of the grooming process, proceed cautiously and get help from a trusted adult. Your friends should not want to have secret relationships and should not threaten you or make you feel comfortable.
- Never meet with anyone or share photos with someone you met online or do not personally know.
- Tell a trusted adult if someone you are talking to online is acting suspicious by asking you where you live, making you feel uncomfortable, or threatening you.
Tips for Educators
- Educate students on the importance of Internet safety and protection of personal information. Different online activities and assignment sheets can be found on the "Lesson Plans and Student Activity Sheets" page of the CyberSmart! website.
- Be aware of the information that is provided to the public on the school's website. Many websites give information about the school's staff members, upcoming events, meetings, and practices being held on campus.
- Discuss guidelines for Internet usage with students and the consequences that are given when guidelines are not followed. Educators can also have the parents sign off on a copy of the guidelines to ensure full understanding and educate the parents on cyber safety.
Tips for Parents
- Talk to kids about sexual predators and cyber predators.
- Take an interest in their online activities. Occasionally, sit down with your child when they are online and participate in the activities they like to do online. Ask questions like; What is your favorite thing to do online, which friends do you like to online, why do you think it is important to keep your personal information private?
- Keep computers in parts of the house with high-traffic and never in a child's bedroom. It is more difficult for child predators to establish relationships with your child if the computer screen is easily visible to other family members.
- Tell children to never respond to instant messages or emails from strangers. Younger children should share the family email address until they are older.
- Use parental control software to monitor computer use, many are built into computer operating systems. Some systems can be downloaded for free, like the Windows Live Family Safety Settings.
- Stay involved with children's lives so they do not feel the need to get attention or affection from others. Online predators target kids who want attention. Also, continued involvement in your child's life will help them feel comfortable, making you more accessible for any future cyber issues.
Resources
- www.cybertipline.com
- www.netsmartz.org/Predators
- www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-internet-safety-games-kids-cyber-smart/