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Sexual Predators Online: How to Protect Your Child One of the most difficult things for a parent to do is accept the possibility that no matter how much we try to protect our children they may still become the victim of a sexual predator. Even children who have been educated and are usually guarded in the physical world may innocently let down that guard for the welcome friendship of an individual they meet on the internet. Accept the idea that sexual predators exist and then teach your children how cautious use of the internet will help prevent them from being victimized. The first thing you need to do is define a clear and simple set of rules for your child’s internet use. For example, you may tell your child that he or she is not allowed to speak to anyone online that he or she does not already know in real life. Clarify that the concept of “not talking to strangers” applies on the streets and on the computer. These rules should apply to both instant messaging services and chat rooms. If your child is allowed to use public chat rooms, he or she should not be allowed to leave the chat room in order to enter a private chat room. A predator is more likely to pry for personal information in private than in public. Another great way to protect your child from sexual predators is to monitor his or her internet use. Young children should not be allowed to have computers in private places, such as their bedrooms. Teenagers with personal computers should be required to have their bedroom doors open at all times, with the monitor placed so that you can see it from the doorway as you are walking by. There are myriads of software packages on the market which allow you to block your children from certain website or monitor the websites they are visiting. Tools such as these will allow your child to use the internet without as much worry over whether or not he is putting himself in jeopardy. The use of the internet plays a huge role in today’s society. Your child will want to use his or her internet time to talk to friends, but in doing so, may be subjected to contact from others. Education is paramount, but it is also important for your child to know it is ok to come to you if he or she makes a mistake. If your child inadvertently gives personal information to a stranger online, he or she should feel comfortable enough to approach you so you can handle the situation appropriately. If your child should happen to find himself in a physical confrontation with a sexual predator he or has met, online or otherwise, he should know how to protect himself. There is a wealth of information available online and through local organizations to aid you in this effort. You may want to enroll your child in a basic self-defense class, where he or she would learn how to put up a struggle and let surrounding bystanders know there is a problem. Being open and honest with your child, while providing appropriate systems of support, is the best way to prevent your child from becoming the victim of a sexual predator. Your child may resist your efforts in the beginning, but proper internet use and education will lead you all to a happier and safer life. If you
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