Older children tend to be at greater risk because they often use the computer unsupervised and are more likely to engage in online discussions of a personal nature.
Troubled or rebellious teens who are seeking emancipation from parental authority can be susceptible to Internet predators.
Emotionally vulnerable youth who may be dealing with issues of sexual identity. These young people may be willing to engage in conversation that is exciting but appears innocent and harmless.
TYPES OF INTERNET VICTIMIZATION
Internet crimes are often thought of as victimless.Nothing could be further from the truth. Children and teenagers can and do become victims of Internet crimes. Predators contact teenagers and children over the Internet and victimize them by:
Enticing them through online contact for the purpose of engaging them in sexual acts.
Using the Internet for the production, manufacture, and distribution of child pornography.
Using the Internet to expose youth to child pornography and encourage them to exchange pornography.
Enticing and exploiting children for the purpose of sexual tourism (travel with the intent to engage in sexual behavior) for commercial gain and/or personal gratification.
U.S. Department of Justice
What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Communicating With A Sexual Predator On-line?
Tips from the FBI
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.
When in doubt contact your local Police department. Most Police Departments have special investigators assigned to Internet crimes and can give you advice on how handle a specific situation.
The danger to children is even greater because the Internet provides predators anonymity.
Community VOICES
BRH- Be Right Here
CUL8R- See You Later
HB-Hurry Back
IRL- In Real Life
POTS Parents Over The Shoulder
SYL- See You Later
Community VOICES has joined Stop Internet Predators in its campaign to raise awareness of child safety concerns over Google's "Street View"
