Tips to Avoid Sexual Predators
There are other things parents can do to lessen the chances of sexual predators targeting their child:
&bullParents need to take time to get online with their child. Parents should allow them to show them which websites they access on a regular basis.
&bullIn order to find out what's going on, parents must talk to their child. They should let their child know that monitoring of websites is for their best interests.
&bullIt is not advisable to allow your child to have a computer in their bedroom. The computer should be kept in the living room, where everyone will have access to it.
&bullIf the parents can see it, there is less chance that the child will attempt to access those adult-oriented sites or chat rooms.
&bullMake sure that your internet service provider has controls in place to block certain websites.
The Truth About Online Content
Parents should activate privacy settings on the computer for restricted access and posting on your child's website. They should check with the individual social networking site. Explain to your child what you're doing and why you're doing it.
The child should be informed that when they post information online for everyone to see, that it can't be retracted. Even if it's not true, the information can be passed around and of course, people will form their own opinions about it.
There are other things that parents need to talk with their child regarding online safety. In addition to warning them about predators and talking about sexually explicit content online, they should also talk to their child about bullying.
Bullying can be festered in different formats online. Other children will spread nasty rumors or send messages to scare the child. They should not want to be an instigator as well as a victim. If this is not handled quickly and properly, the consequences can be devastating for the person being bullied.
If the child has any inkling that something is not right, they need to advise the parents as soon as possible. Anything that is out of place can be reported to local authorities. They will determine if it's something the parents can do or if it's something that needs to be bound over to them.
Parents need to make sure they understand the privacy policies of the websites your child is visiting. It should explain in detail what the website will do with the child's submitted information. Parents have the right to know they can review the information and have it removed it if they choose to.
Steve Cownley
