Computers opens a whole new world of possibilities for children. As they begin to expanding their horizons on the computer, children are exposed to different cultures and ways of life. They can also be exposed to dangers as they hit the road exploring the information highway. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. Some of these individuals gradually seduce their targets through the use of attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts.
These individuals are often willing to devote considerable amounts of time, money, and energy in this process. They listen to and empathize with the problems of children. These are aware of the latest music, hobbies, and interests of children. They gradually, over time, lower children's inhibitions by slowly introducing sexual context and content into their conversations.
Signs That Your Child Is Not Safe Online
- Your child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night.
- You find pornography on your child's computer.
- Your child receives phone calls from men you don't know.
- Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen when you enter the room.
- Your child becomes withdrawn.
- Your child is using an on-line account belonging to someone else.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Not Safe Online
- Consider talking openly with your child about your suspicions. Tell them about the dangers of computer-sex offenders.
- Review what is on your child's computer. If you don't know how, ask a friend, coworker, relative, or other knowledgeable person. Pornography or any kind of sexual communication can be a warning sign.
- Use the Caller ID service to determine who is calling your child. Most telephone companies that offer Caller ID also offer a service that allows you to block your number from appearing on someone else's Caller ID.
- Telephone companies also offer an additional service feature that rejects incoming calls that you block. This rejection feature prevents computer-sex offenders or anyone else from calling your home anonymously.
- Devices can be purchased that show telephone numbers that have been dialed from your home phone. Additionally, the last number called from your home phone can be retrieved provided that the telephone is equipped with a redial feature. You will also need a telephone pager to complete this retrieval. The last number called from that phone will then be displayed on the pager.Monitor your child's access to all types of live electronic communications (i.e., chat rooms, instant messages, Internet Relay Chat, etc.), and monitor your child's e-mail.
- Computer-sex offenders almost always meet potential victims via chat rooms. Be very cautious of allowing your child to enter a chat room.
